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9-11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks a way to remember and reflect

MaryLou Giampietro plans to participate in the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb this year at Red Rocks after her moving experience last year.

Article and photos by Lisa Nicklanovich

MaryLou Giampietro participated in the 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb at Red Rocks last year as a way to remember the events and people of September 11. The route is designed to equate to 110 stories, the height of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers and takes participants around nine counter-clockwise laps in the amphitheatre in Morrison. Giampietro is 75 years young.

“I thought I could do about ten steps total,” Giampietro said. “I told myself that I could go two or three steps, then rest. I could just sit and watch everyone and say a prayer for the families and support them. I wanted to be part of it and support the firefighters, police and rescue workers who keep us safe.”

Giampietro completed the entire nine laps around the amphitheatre. “I did it all without realizing it. When I’ve been at red rocks for a concert, I’ve had difficulty walking those steps, but that day was different. I walked the entire nine times around. The energy at red rocks was incredible. Those firefighters walking with all their gear on and holding their children’s hands … you know what’s at stake.”

Giampietro has lived in Castle Pines for four years and lived in New York previously. Having turned 75 in May, she says, “Age is a number. I’m very blessed with good health and I exercise every day and eat well.”

The 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb is about remembrance and the mood is positive, all in a stunning setting. On September 11, participants gather together at the starting point at 8:46 a.m. (the time the first plane hit the north tower) for a brief speech and a moment of silence. At 9:02 a.m. (the time the south tower was hit by the second plane), the Colorado Emerald Society Pipes and Drum Band play “Amazing Grace” and the climb begins.

Afterwards, there’s music, beverages and free pizza and garlic knots provided by The Garlic Knot restaurant, which the Giampietro family (Joe and Lin) own. Giampietro works as a hostess at the restaurant a couple of days each week and enjoys spending time with her five grandchildren ranging in age from 17 to 4, who all live in Castle Pines. She exclaims, “I love living here and I get to see my grandchildren every day. Playing games with my youngest grandson keeps me young. It’s a good life, I’m blessed.”

Giampietro says, “Come out to Red Rocks this year and show that you care. Show that you’re an American. We need to support this, not just the firefighters. We owe it to them.”

For more information and to register for the event, visit www.911stairclimb.com.

Left: Participants, sporting their new t-shirt, begin the climb at Red Rocks which will take them around the amphitheatre nine times. Right: A firefighter pauses for a moment during his climb. Many firefighters complete the walk in full gear with heavy oxygen packs to honor those who provided emergency response on 9-11.

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