Related story: watch the video player above to see a recap from a previous memorial climb.

(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — First responders, along with military service members and veterans, are banding together to hike the Manitou Springs Incline in honor of the nearly 3,000 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, including the heroes who answered the call for help and never returned home.

On Thursday, participants in the memorial climb will gather at the base of The Incline at 8 a.m. to share a few words in remembrance before making their way up.

“Whether you’re a structural or wildland firefighter, EMT or paramedic, law enforcement officer, military, or other first responder, we invite you to remember the final moments of the responders and civilians lost on 9/11,” according to a Facebook post by the Manitou Springs Fire Department.

During the memorial climb, The Incline will be closed to the public until 9 a.m.

“Thousands climb the Manitou Incline… but not many do it wearing firefighter gear weighing up to 75 pounds,” according to a Facebook post by the City of Colorado Springs’ Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) department. “Each step is a tribute, each pause a moment of reflection.”