It’s been 24 years since the 9/11 attacks transformed news outlets and American history forever. With a death toll of 2,976, it stands as one of the most horrific and defining events in our country’s history. Despite its impact, the event is being talked about in schools less and less. In 2025, events such as the death of Charlie Kirk and the actions of the current administration overshadowed the remembrance and mourning of 9/11. It is imperative that the events of 9/11 still be discussed in schools, in order to educate students, honor those lost and unify a divided country.
According to USA Today, those born after 1996 have little recollection of the events of 9/11, and view the attacks as a historical event. As someone born after the attacks, I hold less knowledge and emotions regarding the event as someone who lived through them. The only reason I feel educated about 9/11 is due to the extensive discussion and recollection held in my early years of schooling.
However, another article from USA Today finds that due to memes, a lack of prior education, and conspiracy theories, it is harder for the event to be taken seriously in school today. As time progresses, the possibility of an entire generation of students being uneducated about such a critical topic becomes greater. It is necessary for teachers to not let this happen. Education provides important context regarding U.S. foreign policy and current events, while helping to prevent the spread of misinformation and stereotypes regarding the attacks.
Beyond knowledge of historical events, discussion about 9/11 ensures that the nearly 3,000 lives lost are honored for years to come. In 2001, Americans vowed to “Never Forget” the horrific day and the sacrifices made. From those working in the towers that fateful morning to firefighters and first responders who heroically gave their lives to help others, each and every life lost deserves recognition and respect. Although those who lost their loved ones may never find closure or clarity, discussing the attacks in school and at home serves an important purpose: recognizing every victim, the suffering they went through and the weight of their loss on the country. If conversation about 9/11 were to cease completely, the pain and suffering of the day would become muted and less important. The victims deserve our basic respect and time after everything they went through.
Remembrance additionally holds the potential to bring together a severely divided nation. According to Pew Research Center, “eight-in-ten U.S. adults say that when it comes to important issues facing the country, Republican and Democratic voters not only disagree on plans and policies, but also cannot agree on basic facts.” In times of hatred, disapproval and fear, remembering an event which encouraged our country to come together and respect one another is crucial. Even in 2001, political divide and discussion largely existed. However, when tragedy struck our country, national unity and patriotism surged as Americans came together out of reverence for victims. Discussion around the events of 9/11 in schools could inspire pride, goodwill and unification – values integral in times like these.
It is paramount that teachers hold lessons each year on 9/11. Many resources exist for teachers looking to accurately discuss events today. The 9/11 Memorial & Museum includes varying resources and lesson plans for teachers, along with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Never forget the horrific events of 9/11, regardless of how much time has passed.
