It has been 23 years since the terrorist attacks on New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania on Sept. 11, 2001. For many of us who lived through it, that day is etched into our memories, a moment when time stood still. Since then, approximately 75 million babies have been born in the United States, and for many, 9/11 is not a lived memory. As a parent, remembering this historic event and honoring the fallen gives you a unique opportunity to shape how this pivotal moment is understood, and turn its legacy into something positive for your family and community.

Share Your Memories

The first step in helping your children understand 9/11 is to share your memories of that day. Where were you? What were you doing? How did you feel when you first heard the news? Personal stories can make the past feel more real and relatable and transform the events you read about in history class into real-life experiences like talking with war veterans, nurses, or doctors. Sharing how that day, and the days and weeks after it impacted you, helps humanize the tragedy and allows your children to see that unique side of history. These memories also give us the opportunity to talk about the importance of resilience and empathy with your children with specific examples. While the events of 9/11 were horrifying, the way people came together in the aftermath is equally part of the story. People showed tremendous courage, kindness, and unity, demonstrating how hope and humanity can prevail even in adversity.