A whopping 93 percent of Americans 30 years old or older remember exactly where they were on September 11, 2001. It’s not easy to forget the most devastating attack on American soil since the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.
Children or young adults born in the 21st century, however, will only understand the significance of “9/11” if their parents or teachers teach them about it. And it is important that they hear about what took place on this historical date (in an age-appropriate manner).
This is equivalent to how children born in the second-half of the 21st century were taught by their parents and teachers about “December 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy.”
If you are the parent of a child who was either born after 2001 or was only a youngster back then, take some time to talk to them today – the 9/11 anniversary – about the event. It is necessary to inform our youngest generation about 9/11 because it was one of the defining events of our nation’s history. The talk can be as simple as teaching these youngsters three fundamental tenets associated with this infamous incident.
1. Teach Patriotism
Adults who have no issue with teaching youngsters to “love your neighbor as yourself” should also have no issue teaching them to be patriotic. For what is patriotism other than love of our fellow citizens?
Patriotism was on full display as police and firemen died trying to save their fellow citizens in the twin towers. It was also on display when passengers on United Airlines Flight 93 fought back against the hijackers averting even more possible tragedy than what actually occurred. And it was also on display as military recruiters saw a significant increase in young men “likely to enlist immediately after 9/11.”
2. Teach Fortitude
People learned 24 years ago how horrible and savage some ideological fanatics can be. But we also learned a lot about human nature at its best.
The virtue of fortitude is a mental strength that enables courage and bravery in the face of adversity. Fortitude is perhaps not seen in modern man as much as in past generations, but it clearly was evident on 9/11. People saw and heard about fortitude, as ordinary men and women performed extraordinary acts of selflessness and courage.
Watching footage of the heroic acts on 9/11 – such as fire-fighters running up fifty-eight stories in full gear while everyone else was running down the stairs – exposes children and young adults to what human excellence truly is.
3. Teach Diversity
Many in the world today only preach on the drivel about “diversity.” It is supposedly a virtue that should be valued above all. But parents and teachers can use the events of 9/11 to teach about the other side of “diversity.”
There are people and cultures with ideas radically different from our own. They are very diverse because they are not essentially peace-loving and good-willed, like most Americans and all Christians. These diverse religions and ideologies believe the end justifies the means. They also believe innocent people can be killed to prove a point, and that human life is not precious.
Adults today need to teach their children to respect the truth about diversity. They need to teach them that it can be a bad thing just as it can be a good thing.
The “United” States
In the immediate aftermath of September 11, 2001, there seemed to be one truly “United” States of America. For a few months, there was no divisive fighting between political parties or ideologies, as there was prior or since. It is too bad that it takes a tragedy to bring people together.
But then one wonders: was it tragedy that actually brought Americans together following 9/11, or was it prayer?
Prayer crosses over any perceived barriers of politics and race, bringing down the walls that divide us. There was an inner-calling inside each and every American 24, years ago, to reach out to the Lord in prayer. That may be what truly brought the country together.
Many of us were doing the same thing for hours, days, and weeks after the horrific event. We prayed together, prayed privately, prayed every morning, and prayed every night. Even the anchors on the irreligious TV news said words previously forbidden, “Let us all pray tonight…”
Throughout that fateful day, and the weeks that followed, Americans prayed like never before. They prayed for the repose of the souls of the 3,000 who died. They asked God to heal the thousands of others injured and to comfort the grieving families. And they thanked our Almighty Father for guiding the hands of the first responders.
Prayer was big in September of 2001. But our country needs just as much if not more prayer now than in September 2025. Present-day prayers that all Americans could come together to pray would be that:
- That Non-believers will turn to God and fallen-away Catholics will return to the Church;
- That parents, teachers, coaches, and all the influencers in kids’ lives will instill godly values in their youngsters;
- That young adults who have been propagandized in the falsehoods of the world will wake up and realize that Jesus is the Way and the Truth and the Life;
- That people will respect human life by abolishing abortion, IVF (in vitro fertilization), and euthanasia;
- That Catholic clergy will preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ with boldness and clarity, shepherding their flocks on the narrow, counter-cultural path;
- And that America’s political leaders and institutions who are corrupt will convert to being virtuous, honorable, and moral.
Just as all the turmoil that took place on 9/11 reminded people to pray, all the troubles and adversities going on in our country nowadays remind us as well. Praying prompts us to realize how much we need God.
“Put Not Your Trust in Princes” (Psalm 146)
One’s hope is not in Washington DC politicians or even in Rome’s clerics. Our hope is in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Therefore, our focus should be to spend more time with them.
We do this when we confess our sins and ask for God’s mercy and forgiveness. We do this when we talk to Jesus daily in prayer and weekly at Mass. We do this when we seek the Holy Spirit, asking Him to open our hearts and empower us to speak and witness courageously.
Prayer is always available to us. Nothing can keep us from approaching our Lord in prayer except our own choices.
Today, on this 24th anniversary of 9/11, some Americans will remember to take a knee to pray for those who lost their lives that September day and for their families. Some will also remember to offer a prayer of thanksgiving for our military and emergency personnel, and to ask for peace.
Take some time to do likewise. And if you have children, have them join in with your praying – after you first teach them about the historical event.
A PRINCIPAL'S PRINCIPLES FOR PARENTING 
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