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The room fell silent as my teacher calmly but solemnly reentered the classroom to share the news he had just heard. Enveloped first in confusion, then shock before the classroom settled and hummed with fear. Fear of what would happen next, fear for those on the plane and in the buildings, fear for the first responders, fear of having a loved one killed, fear of terrorists and fearful of how to move forward. The fear we all felt that day has a way of sticking around. It hides in the darkest corners of our minds tucked away until something ordinary takes us back. For me, it is seeing a flag at half-mast. I wanted to focus this Patriot Day on how we can remember and share with the next generation how significant this day is for our country and for the future of this great nation.
How can you share 9/11 and its impact with your children?
- By remembering the fallen. I try each year to learn something about one of the lives lost on 9/11. Legacy.com hosts profiles and tributes of each of the lives lost. Consider reading a profile to your child, talk about what job they had, or what their life might have been like and the positive impact that person had on the world around them. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum has educational resources and lesson plan templates to help teach children and their families about the events on 9/11, terrorism and the historical impact of that day.
- By providing a service to first responders. Talk to your children about the impact the firefighters, police officers and rescue workers had that day. Let them draw thank you notes and pictures or deliver snacks and drinks to a local police or fire station.
- By recognizing military members. Many brave men and women dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our great nation after 9/11. Thank you to all those who wear the uniform, past and present, for protecting our great nation, for your service and sacrifice. #NeverForget
- Reaching out to someone you love. I think each one of us watching the events unfolding on 9/11 feared that we would know someone on the plane, in the building, a bystander, or a fire fighter and immediately called those we know and love. Reach out to a family member or friend today to tell them you love them, that you are thinking of them. Don’t wait for tragedy to embrace the ones you love.
In addition, consider participating in an act of remembrance by observing a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. This is the time the first plane, American Airlines Flight 11, struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center.
How will you share the impact of 9/11 with your children and family?
Related post:
The Memory of 9/11 and How I Re-Learned to Appreciate America, by veteran Chad Storlie.
What 9/11 Means to Me, by veteran Chad Storlie.
About the Blogger: Briana Hartzell is a Navy spouse, mother to two beautiful girls (6 and 8 years), a former full time USAA employee and a graduate of Texas A&M University.
*Originally posted September 2018 updated in 2022
NC0822
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