September 11th: a generation lacks firsthand memory of attacks

Twenty-five years after the Al Qaeda attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, approximately 100 million Americans, about one-third of the country’s population, did not have a lived memory of that day.

The 9/11 Memorial & Museum launched a campaign to preserve the meaning of the attacks and share it with a generation that did not witness the events or the subsequent response, which the institution describes as marked by unity, compassion, and service. The museum highlighted stories of Americans whose lives were impacted by 9/11 and who dedicated themselves to serving others.

Rebecca Asaro followed in her father Carl’s footsteps, becoming a firefighter with the FDNY, the same company he served with. Four of her six siblings also joined the FDNY to honor their father’s memory. The campaign also featured Kylie Corrigan, the granddaughter of a retired FDNY captain who helped evacuate 20 children from a daycare near the World Trade Center. Her father and uncle later joined the FDNY, inspired by his legacy.

James Dowdell, the son of a firefighter who died on 9/11, received his father’s badge number upon graduating from the FDNY academy and later achieved the same rank as his father. Stories also came from those born after the attacks, like Tommy Riches, who read the names of those killed, including his uncle, at the annual ceremony.

The museum aims to reach a new generation of students and visitors, launch an exhibit on service inspired by 9/11, teach 20 million students, and train 100,000 professionals. It is also seeking to establish permanent funding to support its educational work and expand access to free programs. The campaign has already raised $25 million, and Michael R. Bloomberg pledged to match the next $25 million raised.