Gen Zs recall first learning of 'deeply harrowing, terrifying' 9/11

For some young Americans, the memories of the September 11, 2001 attacks are not from the day itself but from learning about it later in life. Known as Generation Z, individuals born between 1997 and 2012 were told about the event that changed American life years after it happened. When asked about their earliest recollections, Avery Black, a 20-year-old journalism student at the University of South Carolina, recounted being told about the attacks in elementary school and later asking her mother about it.

She recalls the "falling man" image and a video of President George W. Bush learning of the attacks. Annie Erickson, a 26-year-old from North Carolina, remembers her mother telling her about the impact on a New York City friend. However, the way schools approach teaching 9/11 varies, with only 25 states requiring instruction. For some, personal research was needed to grasp the full gravity of the attacks, as they were initially told only a few details.

Despite being well-versed in the events, Gen Z individuals often light-heartedly discuss the day to cope with its enormity. Even as adults, they can find it challenging to comprehend the scale of loss. Experts argue that understanding 9/11 is still vital for younger generations to comprehend current global events.