It has officially been 11 years since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, yet the pain runs deep within the hearts of Americans as if it happened yesterday.

San Diego is nearly 3,000 miles away from New York City, but distance means nothing for a catastrophe this large.

On Saturday, firefighters, police officers, members of the military and civilians climbed 110 floors—as many as the Twin Towers—at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

Each participant wore a necklace with a picture of an emergency responder who lost his or her life that

day.

Firefighters who participated in

the event wore full gear during their climb.

“In a real fire, we would have axes, chain saws, breachers for doors and all together it gets up in the range of 95 to 100 pounds with all the gear,” Los Angeles County Firefighter Victor Rossi said. “Today, we only climbed with 65 pounds on our back.”

Even without any weight on their back, participants still finished the climb out of breath.

“When you see the guys in uniform, in their gear, stopping to throw up and then keep going, it’s inspiring. You feel honored to do it and grateful that you’re physically capable,” NBC 7 Community Manager Samantha Dorman said.

Robert Bunsold, who coordinated the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb, said he remembers watching the attack. At the time, he felt helpless because he wanted to run up the towers and help those who were stranded, but couldn’t.

“I never really felt like I could contribute to that,” Bunsold said. “This is how I feel that I am able to give back.”

Carlsbad Fire Battalion Chief Mike Lopez, who graduated this year with a Masters of Business Administration from San Diego State, said he remembers sept. 11 every single day of his life.

His mother, sister and brother lived next to the twin towers when the buildings collapsed 11 years ago. Lopez remembers watching the attack on TV.

“It hit close to home that day. Something I’ll never forget. God help us, we never forget,” Lopez said, as he kissed his 8-month-old daughter. “It’s a reminder. We’re a walking time bomb … We never know when we’re going to go and we have to cherish every moment, every day.”