photo by: Credit: KU Naval ROTC

KU cadets run up the steps at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium as part of the 2025 KU 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

The deadliest terrorist attacks in American history that killed 2,977 people and injured thousands in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001, is approaching its 25th anniversary. And like many other towns and cities across the nation, Lawrence, too, is preparing to honor the fallen with a series of events over the coming days.

Sept. 10: The Day That Shook America: A Concise History of 9/11.

On Thursday, Sept. 10, from 3-4 p.m. the Dole Institute of Politics will host J. Samuel Walker, author and historian, to discuss his 2021 book, “The Day That Shook America: A Concise History of 9/11.” The book chronicles that day’s events by asking hard questions and probing policy decisions concerning terrorism under the Clinton and Bush administrations. The talk will be held at the Simons room. Copies of Walker’s book will be available for purchase after the program.

Sept. 11: KU ROTC Memorial Stair Climb

Early Friday morning, the University of Kansas ROTC will host the 2026 KU 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium to commemorate the sacrifice of the first responders who responded to the various scenes on 9/11.

Beginning at 5:30 a.m., ROTC members, alongside local first responders, will participate in the memorial by climbing 2,071 stadium stairs, which represents the climb made by first responders inside the World Trade Center on Sept. 11. Participants will enter the stadium through Gate 6 beginning at 5 a.m., with the event scheduled to conclude shortly before 7 a.m..

Participation is open to ROTC members, first responders, veterans and active-duty service members, according to a KU press release. Registration is required prior to the event.

Sept. 11: KU School of Music tribute performance at the Dole Institute of Politics

On Friday, Sept. 11, from 3-4 p.m., students from the KU School of Music will perform several tribute pieces to the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11. The performance will be held inside Hansen Hall, which also houses two beams from the World Trade Center’s North Tower that were presented to former U.S. Senator Bob Dole and President Bill Clinton for their work establishing the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund.

Sept. 1-20: Memorial display at the Dole Institute of Politics

The Dole Institute of Politics is presently displaying a special memorial exhibit entitled, “September 11, 2001: The Day That Changed the World,” that will be available for visitors through Sept. 20.