I Was Evacuated From the Pentagon Daycare on 9/11, Life Was Never the Same

On September 11, 2001, the author vividly recalls the terror and chaos they experienced as a toddler, evacuated from the Pentagon daycare center during the tragic event. Living in a military family, they and their younger sister attended the Pentagon Child Development Center, which became a crucial part of their lives. Upon hearing about the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon was immediately hit by American Airlines Flight 77 at 9:37 a.m., causing the evacuation of all daycare children.

The daycare workers immediately sprang into action, rescuing infants, toddlers, and their parents. My sister, who was just 4 months old, was carried in a crib and transported half a mile to a designated safe zone, while I was held or carried by daycare staff as we waited for our parents to arrive. I vividly remember the overwhelming sensory overload and confusion from the experience as I struggled to comprehend what was happening.

My mom, who was working at Bolling Air Force Base, and my dad, who had recently retired from the USMC, worked together to ensure my sister and I were safely evacuated to Alexandria, Virginia.

The author reflects on how this traumatic experience influenced their decision to join the military, eventually becoming a captain and TH-1H helicopter instructor pilot. Their parents' dedication to serving in the Air Force post-9/11 inspired them to do the same, and they are now passing on the values of remembering and honoring those who lost their lives.

The author has created the Run to Remember 2,977 campaign, dedicating a mile for each of the 2,977 victims, and has already run several miles in honor of those lost in the Pentagon, Flight 93, New York City, and the first responders who gave their lives.