Hanna Born: A Life of Purpose Inspired by Resilience and Service
Mark Twain famously said “The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” On September 11th, 2001, Hanna Born found her “why.”
That Tuesday morning began like any other. Hanna and her younger sister were awakened, fed, and loaded into the car by their father for the ten-minute drive to the Pentagon Day Care Center. Barely three hours later, while playing outside with her young friends, Hanna’s world—along with the rest of the world—changed forever.
Hanna’s story is a testament to the enduring power of resilience and the inspiration drawn from a legacy of service. From her childhood marked by the events of September 11, 2001, to her decision to serve in the military, Hanna’s journey reflects courage, determination, and a deep commitment to honoring the sacrifices of the past.
A Childhood Shaped by Tragedy
On September 11, 2001, Hanna was a toddler in the Pentagon Cay Care Center when American Airlines Flight 77 struck the building. Her mother, Brigadier General Dana Born (USAF, Ret.), and her family experienced the terror and chaos of that day firsthand. While Hanna was too young to fully comprehend the gravity of the event, the experience left an indelible mark on her family’s story and shaped the values that would guide her life.
Like other children who witnessed the horrors of that day firsthand, Hanna experienced classic signs of childhood regression. With time, love, and plenty of support from her parents, she overcame these challenges, emerging stronger than ever, and over time, transformed this early adversity into a deeper understanding of the world around her.
In interviews, Hanna has reflected on how the events of 9/11 became a central part of her identity. Growing up, she learned about the sacrifices made that day and in the years that followed and grew inspired by the resilience shown by her family and the nation. Her mother’s leadership, along with the stories of countless heroes who responded to the attacks, became a source of inspiration, instilling in her a deep sense of duty and purpose.
A Legacy of Service
Hanna’s decision to join the military was deeply influenced by her family’s legacy and the lessons of 9/11. Inspired by her paternal grandfather’s service as a naval aviator in the South Pacific during WWII, her maternal grandfather’s service in the Coast Guard, and her mother’s and father’s combined 50 years of service as Air Force and Marine Corps officers respectively, Hanna learned early on what service to our nation really means. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she attended the United States Air Force Academy, where she excelled academically as an Academy Scholar, physically as a member of the Academy’s alpine ski team, and professionally with her strong leadership skills. Her journey at the Academy was never about personal achievement—it was about honoring the sacrifices of those who came before her.
During her time at the Air Force Academy, Hanna spoke publicly about her experiences and her family’s connection to 9/11, underscoring the importance of remembering the lessons from that day. Her story and words resonated deeply with her seniors, peers, subordinates, and mentors alike. Her journey—from being a survivor of one of the most defining tragedies in American history to serving as a future leader in the Air Force—is a powerful narrative of resilience and determination. In a poignant address widely shared by multiple media outlets, she reflected on the resilience of her family and the nation, stressing the need to carry forward the values of unity and service.
Leadership and Advocacy
Hanna has emerged as a voice for her generation, using her platform to inspire others to remember the sacrifices of 9/11 and to embrace the values of resilience and service. She has been featured in major news outlets, including The History Channel, CNN’s The Lead, CBS Sports, Fox News and NBC affiliates among others, where she shared has her family’s story and her personal journey.
Her reflections have been particularly impactful as the nation commemorates anniversaries of the attacks, reminding Americans of the importance of unity and vigilance. But Hanna’s leadership extends beyond her words. As a cadet, and now as an Air Force officer and instructor pilot, she has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and an unwavering dedication to serving her country. Her story inspires others to see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to rise above adversity and contribute to a greater purpose.
Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future
For Hanna, “We Remember” is more than a phrase; it is a call to action. She has dedicated her life to ensuring that the lessons of that day—the importance of resilience, unity, and service—are never forgotten.
As the nation faces new challenges, Hanna’s story serves as a beacon of hope and determination. Her commitment to service, rooted in her family’s experiences and the legacy of 9/11, reminds us that a nation’s strength lies in its ability to rise above adversity and work together toward a brighter future.
Resilience, Purpose and Service
Hanna Born’s life is a testament to resilience, purpose, and service. From surviving one of the most defining moments in American history to forging her own path as a military leader, she embodies the values that define the best of America. Her story reminds all of us of the importance of remembering the past, honoring the sacrifices of those who have served, and striving to make a meaningful impact in the world to come.
Cited sources
- Smith, J. (2023) Remembering Our Heroes: Stories of Sacrifice and Strength. Available at
https://www.rememberingourheroes.com/stories (Accessed: 12 December 2024).
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