Remembering the Heroes of September 11

by Jennifer Jordan, History Teacher

As 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, 7th grade commemorated this day through the lens of the heroes who helped others. Specifically, we focused on all of the boat captains who heeded the call to rescue people off Manhattan and on Welles Crowther, the “man in the red bandanna”. After watching the short documentary “Boat Lift” and learning about Welles Crowther’s heroism in the South Tower of the World Trade Center, 7th graders chose the name of one victim on the 9/11 memorial website and researched that person further. Students learned the biographical details of that person and discussed that person’s legacy through their loved ones’ memories. Students then shared about each person so as to remember that person and give each one respect for the sacrifice of his or her life. We learned about a 46 year old NYFD battalion chief, a 23 year old flight attendant, a 32 year old husband whose wife learned she was pregnant on September 12, and a 30 year old bond trader who loved to joke with his best friend. 20 years after this tragedy, the U.S. war with Afghanistan may be over, but we will not forget the heroes who gave their hearts and the ordinary people who gave their lives to fight terrorism.