EMMITSBURG, Md. -- On Sept. 11, 2001, firefighters in Australia -- as many throughout the world -- watched in disbelief as terrorists crashed planes into the twin towers in New York City.

They cried upon learning that 343 of their brothers in New York perished doing their jobs.

Now, some of those Aussie firefighters are running across the United States to honor not only the responders but everyone who died that day at the hands of terrorists.

Under a brilliant sky Monday -- much like the one on Sept. 11 nine years ago -- those participating in the Tour of Duty run took a break to visit the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial at the National Fire Academy.

After a breakfast whipped up by the staff of the National Fallen Firefighters' Foundation and welcomes from local officials, the runners laid a wreath at the memorial and paused.

Paul Ritchie, a firefighter in Melbourne, believes he was meant to organize the event to remember every single person, especially his brothers in New York.

"Our run is a statement for hope for the future," he said. "It reflects humanity, mateship, camaraderie and self sacrifice."

Ritchie was in a pub on Sept. 11 when the news of the attacks flashed on all the television screens. Crews returned to their firehouses, sat and watched.

"Everyone was silent," he said as his voice trailed off when he described seeing the second plane hit the tower. "We caught that remarkable moment in life."

Crews were glued to the station's television, and watched as the number of firefighters lost grew. "We went to calls, but there wasn't any conversation -- just silence."

More than two years ago, Ritchie started planning the remembrance run that started at 8:46 a.m. Aug. 12 in Santa Monica, Calif.

Since the event involves much more than strength and endurance, Australian firefighters vied for selection after being recommended by their departments.

Prospective runners had to submit essays explaining what 9/11 meant to them.

Ritchie said it was difficult for the team of judges to pick just 16 to represent the country and their fire service.

"When you hurt one firefighter, you hurt all of us. It doesn't matter that we are a world away. We do the same job. We have the same passion," said Rob Frey, one of two Queensland Fire and Rescue Service members selected.

Frey said the U.S. and Australia have long shared a bond, and the terrorist events strengthened that. "We all wanted to respond that day."