Dear Children,
While I don’t personally know anyone who lost their life on that tragic day, some may argue that my experience holds less weight because of it. I was simply an ordinary person heading to work. Yet, as the anniversary of September 11th draws near, I find it surprising that your schools do not delve deeper into the events of that day. Perhaps it’s because you are in third and seventh grades, too young to learn about terror attacks, or maybe it’s simply because you weren’t even born yet. Or, it could be that it’s too soon after the start of a new school year.
I hope that one day your education will include important details about 9/11—such as the timeline of the attacks, the role of al Qaeda, the courage displayed by first responders, and the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security. However, what might be overlooked in those lessons is how life changed dramatically for average Americans like your father and me.
On September 11, 2001, I was 30 years old, and terrorists took the lives of nearly 3,000 people in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. Your dad and I had just celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary and were beginning to discuss starting a family, all while trying to build our careers and secure our finances. I had been employed for four years after completing my master’s degree. When I arrived at work that morning, the doorman informed me that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. I assumed it was a tragic accident, similar to the small plane that once struck the Empire State Building.
I was gravely mistaken.
When terror struck on that day, the America I knew ceased to exist. It transformed, and I want you to understand how.
Did you know that prior to 9/11, I didn’t own a cell phone? Your dad had one for work, and I knew college students who did, but not me. On that fateful day, individuals trapped in the World Trade Center used their cell phones to contact loved ones. Suddenly, having a cell phone felt necessary and wise. After 9/11, I got my first mobile phone so I could stay connected with your dad.
Did you know that before 9/11, scrolling news tickers were virtually non-existent on TV, save for one dull business channel? That changed drastically on that day, as news channels introduced tickers to keep up with the overwhelming influx of information regarding the attacks. Today, those tickers are ubiquitous, often displaying trivial information that frustrates me. “That’s not the purpose of a ticker,” I think. “It’s meant for urgent news.”
Did you know that flying was once enjoyable? Yes, there were metal detectors, and bags had to be screened, but I don’t recall long waits or significant hassle. You could walk friends or family to the gate, even if you weren’t flying. The air travel you know now—with lengthy lines and strict security—has always been the norm for you. It’s a necessary measure for our safety.
Did you know that the entire air traffic system was grounded for several days following the attacks? The silence in the skies was haunting. You don’t realize how many planes are up there—commercial and private—until you experience complete stillness. I hope you never encounter that eerie quiet.
Did you know that I couldn’t bear to watch anything related to 9/11 for years? The pain was too fresh. Even now, as each anniversary approaches, I find myself tearing up. I’ve never shared this before, but I believe it’s connected to the overwhelming shock and sorrow. The relentless barrage of heartbreaking news during the weeks following 9/11 is something that lingers, no matter how many years go by.
I don’t want you to feel sadness about 9/11, but rather to be informed, brave, and resilient regarding what transpired. The world around you may also change due to terrorism one day. Remember, 9/11 is a chapter in our story, but it’s not the conclusion.
Lastly, I want you to know that I love you today, tomorrow, and always. Living through the events of 9/11 taught me the importance of expressing my love to those who matter most.
Love,
Mom
This article originally appeared on September 11, 2015.
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In summary, the events of 9/11 profoundly altered the fabric of American life, impacting everything from communication to air travel. It’s important for future generations to understand both the historical context and the personal stories that shape our experiences.
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