September 11, 2001: A Short Reflection Through the Eyes of a Six-Year-Old

I was too young to remember vivid details. As a first grader, my main objectives were to learn, play and make friends. As I'm sitting here trying to shuffle through the memory-rolodex in my mind, my main objectives didn't change that day except for the halting freeze-frame of seeing the old school rolling television in my classroom broadcast the news about 9/11. The stark image of the twin towers with smoke everywhere is really the only vivid memory I have of the actual day. I was six.

Another memory, which is much more vivid, is in the aftermath of the horrible event. As a class, we went to the chapel on campus and one of the sisters spoke to us. She proceeded to explain what happened and that as a community, we were each going to choose people who passed away and pray for them. I wish I remembered their names – a man and a woman, both perished in the attacks. This was one of the many talks we had in school about 9/11. When school ended that day, I remember being picked up by my Popo and showing her my two pieces of paper with names on it, telling her that I prayed for them.

These short anecdotes are the extent of my memories of this infamous day 17 years ago. I was too young to remember more; Just knowing the fact that I don't recollect too much – and I was alive through it – makes me really think about this event's role in our history and how it affects people today. My brother was only two years old so for him, it's a non-existent memory; he only knows and understands what he's read in history books and through others' retelling of the day. Then it makes me think about all the other kids who were born after 2001 whose only experience of 9/11 is what they've read about in history and heard through older family and friends.

But for some, this day can be devastatingly haunting and still a vivid memory. For those who lost loved ones or even those who were in NYC that day, their experiences and their perspective of 9/11 is drastically different than for those of us who were far-removed or too young to remember. When you hear or read the chilling final messages of those on the hijacked planes or see the sheer number of souls perished, or see images of the chaos and destruction after the towers were hit, it's hard not to get a lump in your throat; It brings you back to that day, no matter if you weren't born yet or if you were a first-grader playing in your classroom.

These were my thoughts yesterday, amidst the rain and the chaos of my schedule. I didn't really talk too much about 9/11, but it was definitely on my mind all day. I thought about all the people who died. I thought about the people they left behind. I thought about the men and women who tried to rescue and help in any way they could. I thought about those who witnessed the attacks from the street. I thought about how important it is to continue to reflect and to never forget, no matter how many years go by.