Every year on September 11th, Paschal High School and Americans across the country pause to remember the tragic events that unfolded in 2001. For many people, the memories of that day remain clear, whether they experienced it firsthand or learned about it through others or news channels. Many teachers remember where they were and what they were doing during that day.
On the morning of September 11th, Mr. Holcomb was sitting in his classroom in Arkansas where he taught social studies at a middle school. Holcomb stated that it was his planning period, so he walked to the front office, where the principal told him what was going on. He quickly ran to tell other history teachers and turned on his computer to watch the tragedy unfold.
Confusion filled the room as he and his fellow teachers watched smoke pour out of the Twin Towers in New York City. The teachers quietly realized that something terrible had happened. Though Mr. Holcomb didn’t understand everything, he knew it was serious as soon as the first tower was “hit”, as he was in the military prior to becoming a teacher and knew nothing would happen like this on accident.
As the years passed, everyone that watched those news stories grew older, but they never forgot the images of that day. Every September 11th, people visit a memorial in New York. People lay flowers down and take a moment of silence, not only for the victims but also for the brave first responders. Now, as adults, people tell the story to younger generations so they, too, can understand the importance of remembering.
Remembering 9/11 is important because it honors the lives lost, the heroes who acted with courage, and the resilience of a nation united through a tragic event. By reflecting on that day, we ensure future generations understand its impact and carry forward the lessons of strength, unity, and hope. Our generation may not have been alive to understand the full importance of 9/11, but the general idea of why it is so important is a big thing for teens to know. The memories of that day will be passed on forever and studied across every American classroom as it was, like December 7, 1941, “a day that will live in infamy.”