SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - There were many tears on the bayfront Saturday. The emotions were for those who died in the 9/11 attacks, nearly 11 years ago.
Hundreds of firefighters, police, military personnel and civilians opened their hearts to remember the firefighters who died in the September 2001 terrorist attacks in New York.
The day long event featured participants scaling the equivalent of 110 floors with the Hilton Bayfront playing the part of the World Trade Center's twin towers before they collapsed.
State Assemblyman Nathan Fletcher made the memorial climb with his young son Zack to make sure he knows all about 9/11 when he gets older.
Former east coast resident Carrie Bavaro and her fitness teaching colleagues were part of the hundreds of people who trekked up the narrow stairwells to pay tribute to the 403 emergency responders who made the ultimate sacrifice 11 years ago.
Each year, nearly 100 firefighters die while serving their communities.
Many more pass away from cancer, heart disease, stroke or other injuries they suffer because of their time on the job.