The 343. Remember their courage. Carry their memory.

The 343 Band is a commemorative Drop Band made for the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. It honors the 343 FDNY firefighters who died in the line of duty that day. The number 343 is stitched and every time it is used it gives back to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Drop Band is a formal partner of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF). This September, NFFF is asking every American to join #ForThe343. Wearing the band is one way to take part. Climbing a single flight of stairs is another, and anyone can do it.

The 343 and the foundation that carries their memory

On September 11, 2001, 343 FDNY firefighters died when the World Trade Center towers fell. Twenty five years on, their families and the fire service still mark the day.

Congress created the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in 1992. NFFF honors firefighters who die in the line of duty and stands with the families they leave behind. It also runs safety and research programs so fewer firefighters are lost.

NFFF was on the ground in New York within days of the attacks. At the request of FEMA, it opened a field office there five days after September 11. Over the following two months it coordinated more than 400 peer support specialists, chaplains, and mental health professionals, according to NFFF’s own account.

One flight of stairs for #ForThe343

For more than 20 years, NFFF’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs have brought firefighters and neighbors together to climb 110 stories. That is the height of the towers.

For the 25th anniversary, NFFF opened the tribute to everyone. You climb the equivalent of one flight of stairs, from a firehouse, an office, or your own home. You post a photo or short video with #ForThe343. Then you challenge three people to do the same.

By late August, people in nearly 250 communities had climbed more than 100,000 flights, NFFF reported. Traditional stair climbs are set in cities across the country, with most on the weekend of September 11 to 13.

“Symbolically complete the climb these 343 heroes could not finish.”

NFFF CEO Victor Stagnaro, asking the nation to take part

You can find a climb near you or log your flight at ForThe343.org.

What the 343 Band is

Like every Drop Band, it is a screen free NFC wristband with no battery, so it never needs a charge. It provides access to the wearer’s identity and emergency profile. It taps to pay anywhere contactless payments are accepted on the Mastercard network.

You manage it from the Drop app. If the band goes missing, you can shut it off from your phone right away. The Drop Band FAQ covers the details.

Every 343 Band gives back to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. NFFF also welcomes direct support, including a monthly gift of $9.11.

Wear it when you climb

If you climb a flight this September, put the band on first. Post your climb with #ForThe343 and name three people to go next. After the anniversary, keep it on. It taps to pay at the coffee counter and carries your emergency profile to practice or the job site.

Common questions about the 343 Band

What is the 343 Band?

The 343 Band is a commemorative Drop Band honoring the 343 FDNY firefighters who died on September 11, 2001. It has 343 stitched in red and gives back to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

How much does the 343 Band cost?

The 343 Band costs $35.84. That is $9.11 off the $44.95 price of a standard Drop Band. No subscription is required.

Who does the 343 Band support?

The 343 Band gives back to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Congress created NFFF in 1992 to honor fallen firefighters, support their families, and reduce firefighter deaths and injuries.

Does the 343 Band need charging?

No. The 343 Band has no battery and no screen. The NFC chip inside is only active for the moment it touches a reader.

What is #ForThe343?

#ForThe343 is NFFF’s national tribute for the 25th anniversary of 9/11. Anyone can climb one flight of stairs, post it, and challenge three others. Details are at ForThe343.org.

What sizes does the 343 Band come in?

The 343 Band comes in Medium, Large, and Extra Large. Drop Bands are elastic and stretch to fit the wrist.