A Child's Perspective on 9/11: How One Young Survivor Found Purpose in the Aftermath

Early Morning in the Pentagon

I was just a few weeks shy of my third birthday when the world changed forever on September 11, 2001. Unlike most children, I didn't learn about the attacks through news reports or documentaries — I lived them.

My family was part of a military community, and we spent our days at the Pentagon Child Development Center, which was more like a small neighborhood for us. We loved that place, and it was our safe haven. That Tuesday morning, we woke up as usual, unaware of what lay ahead.

What happened next is etched into my memory with vivid clarity. I remember the chaos — service members rushing in to help evacuate the children, parents frantically searching for their kids, and the overwhelming sense of fear and confusion that permeated everything. My younger sister Heather and I were two toddlers among many others who were carried out of the building by military personnel.

"There was no time to be afraid. Just a lot of people doing what they could to keep us safe."

The evacuation was swift, but not without emotional weight. Infants were loaded into cribs and carried about half a mile away, while toddlers like me were held by hand or carried to a spot set up near Boundary Channel. The daycare workers remained with us, comforting us until our parents arrived.

Rebuilding Through Service

The trauma of that day had lasting effects on me as a child. I experienced classic signs of childhood regression — sleeping for more than 24 hours straight the first night after the attacks. But beyond the immediate emotional toll, it shaped how I viewed the world and my place in it.

As I grew older, I began to understand how powerful the experience of being evacuated from the Pentagon was. It wasn't just about surviving — it was about understanding that others had not been so fortunate. That realization drove me toward service. My decision to join the Air Force was deeply influenced by my early exposure to military life and the heroism of those who saved us that day.

Now, at 27, I serve as a captain in the United States Air Force and am currently a TH-1H helicopter instructor pilot. Every day, I carry forward the lessons learned from that morning — not just about resilience, but also about duty and sacrifice.

Never Forget: A Personal Mission

Last year, as we approached the 25th anniversary of 9/11, I realized how much time had passed since that day. It was a sobering reminder that while history remains constant, collective memory can fade.

In response to this, I launched Run to Remember 2,977, a campaign where I run one mile for each of the 2,977 lives lost that day. Each mile is dedicated to someone whose name is spoken aloud — honoring their memory and acknowledging how much we all lost in those tragic hours.

I began this journey on September 11, 2025, running around the flight line with fellow airmen from my squadron. I dedicated miles to the 184 lives lost at the Pentagon, then ran for Flight 93's heroic crew and passengers, and ultimately for those who perished in New York City.

The effort has grown far beyond what I ever imagined. The response from families of victims has been overwhelming — many have reached out to share stories of their loved ones and to thank me for keeping their memory alive. It's not just about running; it's about building connections across generations and preserving the humanity behind the statistics.

Learning from Those We Lost

One of the most profound aspects of this journey has been learning about individuals who were taken too soon — like Dana Faulkenberg, one of the youngest passengers on Flight 77. I often visit the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial where a bench is dedicated to her. Though we were born in the same year, she will forever be three years old.

That contrast is heart-wrenching — how much life was stolen from so many people and how many children never had the chance to grow up. As one of the youngest people who remembers 9/11, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to keep sharing these stories and ensuring we never forget.

For those who were too young to remember 9/11, I hope my campaign helps them understand the profound human impact — not just as a moment in history, but through the stories of real people taken far too soon. And for those who were there, I believe this is an opportunity to reflect on how we continue to honor our promise to never forget.

The Power of Memory

As we mark another anniversary of 9/11, we're reminded that remembrance isn't only about the past — it's a living commitment to those who are still affected today. I've come to see my story as part of a larger narrative: one where individual experiences can shape collective memory and inspire action.

It's not just about what happened on that Tuesday morning in 2001; it's about what we choose to do with the legacy of that day. Whether through service, through storytelling, or simply by being present for each other — that's how we keep the promise of Never Forget alive.

I often wonder: what if others had these 25 years back? What if they could experience the resilience and strength that has emerged from such tragedy?

That's why I continue running — not just to honor the lives lost, but to remind ourselves that every person matters. Every story matters.