9/11: What we learned

The events of Sept. 11, 2001, are so fresh in my mind. It’s hard to believe that today’s high school seniors were not even born when terrorists took so many lives, and changed our world forever.

A few years ago, I was asked to speak to a group of high school students about 9/11. I thought it might be helpful to show video of the news coverage from that morning, as it was broadcast live on NBC’s Today Show. When the first plane hit the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City, we all hoped and prayed it was just a random accident.

Seventeen minutes later, our worst fears came true. Another hijacked plane crashed into the south tower. This was no accident. America was under attack, in its busiest, most populated city. The news cameras captured it all: the smoke, the debris, the brave rescuers, the horrified onlookers and survivors. The images were gruesome, then and now.

Looking at the student audience, I was stunned by their reactions. To my surprise, many of them were seeing this for the first time. Many were visibly shaken, and began to sob. I’m sure they had heard the term “9/11,” but perhaps they felt it was ancient history. I guess it’s not all that different from how many of us learned about the money for those who had lost everything. Civil War, or the Great Depression. For elementary and middle Sad events, to be sure, but with the school students in particular, they passage of time, they became blackand-white were reacting to the unsettling events pictures in a history book. in a nation where they had once felt

As the video revealed the images so safe. Those kids are adults today. of the later attacks and tragedies of They haven’t forgotten.

9/11, from the Pentagon to Pennsylvania, 4. History is important. Now, more all of which happened within a Carroll than ever, with the tools that are ninety-minute time frame, we had all seen available, young people must learn about enough. It was time to discuss what we’ve the world, and how we got to this point. learned, and how our lives had changed I often regret that I paid less attention to since that terribly dark day. world history than other subjects in school.

1. We are a good nation. Our people came You may not approve of other countries’ together. We showed we can overcome our religions and cultures, but it helps to understand differences during times of great need. why they believe as they do. Churches, businesses, neighbors and strang5. We should be thankful for every day. ers helped pick up the pieces of so many Almost three thousand Americans lost broken lives. As for our first responders, their lives on 9/11. Most of them were just many of whom made the ultimate sacrifice regular folks, at work or on a plane. Their that day, we can never thank them enough. day started out like any other. In the blink

2. We are a strong nation. We sent a of an eye they were gone, leaving behind message in the aftermath of 9/11: We told grieving spouses, children, and parents. the world we would defend the freedom We all started hugging our children more for which our parents, grandparents, and often, telling them we love them. previous generations had fought. My most vivid memory was on the eve

3. Kids care. It was heartwarming, and ning of 9/11, comforting my sons, who were life-affirming to see so many young people then 14 and 11. They were “big boys,” so wave the flag, send cards and letters to to speak, unafraid to swing at a fast ball police officers and firefighters, and collect or swim in the deep water. But that night, they were very small in a large, terrifying world. “Is our school safe?” “Will the terrorists return tomorrow, or even while we’re sleeping?” “What will be their next target?”

I gave my most fatherly, reassuring answers. “We’ll be all right. The worst is over. Soon, everything will be back to normal.” Of course, I was faking it. I had no idea. I was just as worried as they were.

It’s never really been back to normal, as anyone who has passed through security at an airport or a ball game can testify. We’ve been forced to live our lives more cautiously, with uncertainty lurking everywhere we go.

If your children or grandchildren view the events of 9/11 as ancient history, make sure they understand the loss, the sacrifice, and the lessons of that day. We’re still standing 20 years later, but we should never forget.

And sadly, as we face a different deadly crisis today, we are anything but united. I will never understand that.