Generation Z and 9/11: an open letter

Today is a day of remembrance for so many people whose lives felt the direct impact of the 9/11 attacks fifteen years ago. It is both necessary and important to pay homage to the losses that resulted from the horrific events of this day. Today I woke up and, as I do everyday, received the “this day in history” email notification from History.com. Predictably, today’s reminder noted the earth-shaking terrorist attacks that occurred fifteen years ago.

As a 16-year-old, I do not remember the day. For years I have recognized this day, but I have given little thought to its impact because of my lack of personal connection to the event.

However this morning, as I received my email accompanied by a picture of two Twin Towers that were engulfed in flames, I felt an overwhelming amount of guilt regarding my lack of knowledge toward the topic.

Within Generation Z, the digital age, or iGeneration, however you define this era, it is impossible to deny the impact of technology on the lives of the youth. As a child of the 21st century, I have grown up with a screen underneath my fingertips and a keyboard within my reach. A passcode is the only barrier I face in accessing an entire digital universe of information.

Why, then, have I never Googled videos of footage from 9/11? Why have I not read the stories from the multitude of survivors and victims who suffered from this remarkable day in American history?

We constantly hear the two words “never forget” associated with today, but for my age group, most of whom do not remember 9/11, it is so important that we remember to “never ignore” and “always learn.” We must look beyond the realm of our own existence and into the lives of people who were born only a few years before us. These people have known tragedy and suffered loss. Moreover these people did not let the wreckage caused by 9/11 shake the foundations of this country. The aftermath of 9/11 serves as a testament to the resilience, unity, and strength of all humans as we jointly share in this universal human experience.

I urge others from my generation to research and find their own inspiration from history. Currently, we have all the available resources to learn from history and follow the example of strength set by our parents and grandparents. Be curious. Read. Research. Learn. Don’t be ignorant towards the events that have and are taking place everywhere around the world. Understand the hardships that are faced by all people, from the Western world and beyond.

Your voice is real and it is so loud. You are never too young to feel empathy and experience life outside of your own world.

It is our responsibility to utilize technology in order to learn and grow. It is our duty as humans to desire to feel a connection with our past. It is cliché, but we are the future. A successful future will only be possible by acknowledging our past and current conditions. This world is filled with so much suffering, but also, with so much love. You cannot experience life behind a computer screen, but you can learn so much. The world is literally ours to discover. Don’t waste that opportunity.

Although I do not remember 9/11, I do feel its impact. I feel sorrow for the losses of many, sadness for the evil that exists within this world, and pride for a nation and people who can rise up from tragedy. My heart sincerely goes out to everyone who feels pain as a result of 9/11.

“Oh yes, the past can hurt. But, you can either run from it or, learn from it.” -The Lion King