By J1 Reporter Emily Else

On Sept. 11, 2001, American lives were changed when Al-Qaeda performed a terrorist attack in New York City, New York and the Pentagon, ultimately killing almost 3,000 people. The United States will never forget the horrid day, even if they were young, they remember the many effects the day had. Social Studies teacher, Mrs. Jessica Goodman, was only in pre-kindergarten when the attacks occurred. “I just remember going home because I think they sent us home instead of staying…I remember the long term aftermath…” Although she does not fully remember the day, she (along with many others) understands the severity of the situation and knows to never forget about Sept. 11 or its impact. 

“Never Forget,” is a quote used most-often when speaking about the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. A way we can never forget is through found footage, voicemails, or phone calls. Goodman said, “I like hearing the actual audio stuff. I feel like it humanizes it.” The voices for each person display the fearful emotion from that day, and the footage allows you to take a step into the moments of catastrophe. Even though the events of 9/11 were only 25 years ago, many people who were not alive for it do not understand the gravity of the matter.

People who were not born cannot fully comprehend the life-changing influence 9/11 had because many schools leave it out of curriculum. Sophomore Iyanna Banks went to Fairview Elementary School and Lewis and Clark Middle School. She said, “The lessons were repetitive and we learned the same thing every year. As I got to middle school, we didn’t talk about it much. It’s been brought up once this year, and I only heard about it once this year.” Sept. 11 lives as an important day in history, but how can it remain an important day if students do not comprehend or have schools further educate them? Goodman plans to merge 9/11 into her curriculum. “This year, I spent more time with it than usual with the freshmen. We went into a timeline from the 9/11 Memorial Museum…I did a document analysis in AP U.S. History about it…I think I’m going to make it a more regular part of it.” With the additives Goodman is making to her Social Studies classes, she will be able to teach the significance of Sept. 11.

Ultimately, 9/11 is known as a day of remembrance for the fallen people and first responders who gave their lives. On Sept. 11, lives were changed forever all over the United States. The United States must never forget the attacks against them and continue to give knowledge to young people throughout America.