It’s hard to believe that it’s been 20 years since the September 11th attacks. It’s a date that sends chills down our spine every time we see it on our calendars. Many of us share memories of where we were when the planes hit the towers; a moment that we shall never let slip our minds. “Today we honor the nearly 3,000 men, women, and children who died on September 11, 2001, and the heroes who have always run towards danger to do what’s right,” shared Fmr. President Barack Obama on Twitter.
He continued, “let’s never forget that day, and let’s never take them for granted.”
The kids of September 11, 2001.
An interesting perspective of that painful day is from the eyes of a child’s innocence. Having been a child on 09/11/01 myself, I can imagine how that moment could have been for kids near the areas of the attacks.
“It became obvious that the tower fell,” shares Alex Tronolone in an interview for The City. “I returned to class, incredulous. I remember looking at my watch to note the date because I knew it would be something that would be remembered.” According to the article, he had been called out of class to take some photos for the school paper following the attack.
“It was and still is the most devastating story line of my life,” Elvis Santana, another student, recants of that day. He was at school in the Bronx, hiding under his desk during the attacks.
The first grade class of New York’s PS. 150 on September 11th, 2001, shared their collective memories in the film The Class of 09/11. PBS News Hour shared a clip on the YouTube.
‘Never Forget’
No matter where you were, that moment will certainly live with you forever. For Kimberly Rex, she will never forget it because it’s the day that she lost her father, Vincent Litto.
“That plea. That demand. Never Forget,” shared Rex in her editorial for CNN. “As if I don’t remember the moment I finally knew that my father was never coming home. But you. You must never forget. You should remember everything this day was and everything it still is. Tell each other. Tell your children. Remember those that died such horrible deaths. Remember those who tried to save them. Think of them always and never ever forget.”
My prayers for this country continue. We’ve found ways to become divided since the day that brought us together but hopefully we will soon remember that our power is in unity.
