Growing Up Post 9/11 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Growing Up Post 9/11

Never forget.

20
Growing Up Post 9/11
Gianna DiPasquale

September 11th, 2001 I was 3 years old. Even without actual recollection of the events as they occurred 15 years ago, my hearts sits heavy in my chest every year as we remember those who were lost in the tragic events that occurred at the World Trade Center. Listening to the nearly 3,000 names called each year on the news at Ground Zero, some of whom were close to my family, fills me with an immense feeling of sorrow, grief, and appreciation.

Growing up in a post 9/11 generation, there have been countless times I have learned through various different individuals of what happened. It’s crazy to think this event is now commonly in textbooks and will be a day put down into history that happened just a short distance from my home. I have grown up with long airport security lines as the norm, multiple pieces of legislation such as the most commonly associated Patriot Act, our nation sending troops over seas to war, and with a different lens on issues such as immigration, race, and terrorism.

When learning about the devastating day whether it’s in school, through the media, or my own father a retired New York City Firefighter from Engine 230, I am overcome with a multitude of feelings and thoughts. Every story that is told to me about how clear the sky was, or how vividly they remember the day such as my mom waiting at home with two children as my father fled towards the action, is sickening. The thought of thousands of families being forever changed has never made me more thankful that my Dad was not working that day. September 11th is not only a day to remember those who courageously gave their lives, but to take the time to be thankful and realize how truly fortunate I am. Not everyone is so lucky.

My father is a hero to countless individuals throughout his service of 26 years with the FDNY. I will always admire all of his dedication to helping others and being the firefighter and leader that he is. All he has sacrificed for our family and the duties that his job entails is inspiring and holds many of the qualities that I strive towards in my future. Each day is precious, and so are the relationships we have and people around us. Those lost on that day will be gone but never forgotten and we shall always come together as a nation to remember this day.




Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
nothing on to-do list

Winter break is a cherished time for many after enduring a grueling fall semester. It’s a time of relaxation and time spent with loved ones over the holidays. However, once the new year rolls around, we’re all ready to go back to school. Here are thoughts every college student has during winter break.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Facts All People In A Large Family Can Confirm During The Holiday Season

The holiday season can be the best and most stressful time of the year, especially when more people are involved.

2696
kids jumping

The holidays are full of lights, sweets, sweaters, and your favorite movies. There's nothing quite like this period from the beginning of December through January. Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years. The fun of it all.

I don't know about you but with my large Italian family something is always going on during this season. It can be the most wonderful time of the year while also being the most hectic. These are a few things you know if your family is anything like mine during this time.

Keep Reading...Show less
10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over
reference.com

To those who celebrate, you just spent an entire day cooking an elaborate meal with all of your favorite foods. You probably ate your body weight in pumpkin pie and mashed potatoes. What happens now? Oh yea, Christmas. It’s time to take out all of the decorations and Christmas themed things that have been sitting in the attic since last year; it’s time to make a reappearance. So, here are 10 things that happen the second Thanksgiving is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

5329
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

3308
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments