On Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, the City of San Marcos and the San Marcos Fire Department hosted two events commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. The events include a public flag raising ceremony, followed by a memorial stair climb. Participation in the memorial stair climb was limited to local first responders, but members of the public were invited to attend and observe the event.
The San Marcos Fire Department Honor Guard raised the flag that flew over City Hall on the day of the attacks at 8:40 a.m. The poem “The Tolling of the Bell” was read followed by the ringing of the historical fire bell and a moment of silent reflection. The public was invited to place flowers at a flower memorial, which remained in place for the day.


At 8:46 a.m., members of the San Marcos Fire Department and other local first responders also participated in the City’s inaugural 9/11 Stair Climb at San Marcos High School’s Rattler Stadium, 2601 Rattler Road. Participants from San Marcos FD, San Marcos PD, Buda FD, Hays County SO, Mustang Ridge PD, DPS, Travis County ESD 12, & Bellaire FD all climbed 110 flights in full gear, equal to the number of stair flights within the World Trade Center towers. The public was invited to come and watch those first responders that promise to “Never Forget.”