St. Louisans participate in March to the Arch in memory of 9/11 victims

ST. LOUIS – This first step will propel you on your journey, wherever that may be in life.

This hiking group’s journey takes them to the Gateway Arch and they remember the people who lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

“On the first anniversary of the towers coming down, I took the flag off my porch and walked down to the Arch alone,” said Bo Drochelman, founder of March to the Arch.

Since then, Drochelman has been accompanied by friends and strangers every year.

On Monday, Drochelman and company began their march at Mike Duffy’s in Town and Country and then continued along Clayton Road into town. The group took breaks at fire stations and restaurants along the way.

Stephanie Spaniol, a firefighter and paramedic with the Fenton Fire Protection District, was prepared for the 22-mile hike.

“Because it was a tough day for the guys who climbed those towers,” she said. “It is not an easy task. It’s a lot of weight. And I want to keep that in mind all the time. It was a tough day for her.”

In total, 2,996 people died in the September 11 attacks. Anyone old enough to remember will never forget where they were that day.

That’s why this group is winding through St. Louis County with their red, white and blue flags in the air and the city is here.

You are forced to never forget.

“I just think it’s important,” Drochelman said. “The people who died were essentially my brothers and sisters and I feel for them and those who survived. And one of the great feelings I get when I walk is people honking and waving and it shows that the United States is united and it makes me feel good.”