Hundreds of first responders and civilians climbed Oahu's Koko Head Crater Trail on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, a solemn but uplifting turnout.

• Marine Corps Base Hawaii firefighters made the steep stair climb in full firefighting gear to mirror what New York crews faced that day.
• Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks, including 343 firefighters.
• Military members, city firefighters, and members of the public joined in, filling the parking lot past capacity.
• Heat and the weight of the gear made the climb punishing, though a breeze cut the humidity from the day before.

Outlook: The climb is expected to remain an annual Hawaii tradition, drawing larger crowds as milestone anniversaries pass.