The 20th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks was expected to be a moment of solemn remembrance and collective unity—a time to reflect on the resilience, heroism, and sacrifices of countless Americans during one of the nation’s darkest days. Instead, it fell short in many respects, leaving a profound sense of disappointment for those who lived through the tragedy and hoped to pass on its lessons to younger generations.
For many, the day was marred by an unsettling realization: the memory of 9/11 is fading in the hearts and minds of younger Americans. Surveys conducted by Pew Research, TikTok, and CNN revealed a startling trend. Among Americans aged 18 to 30, a staggering 1 in 5 expressed a level of compassion for Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind behind the attacks. Even more troubling, many in this demographic either failed to understand or were unfamiliar with the phrase “Never Forget,” a rallying cry that encapsulates the nation’s commitment to honoring the victims and ensuring such atrocities are never repeated.
This disconnection underscores a growing cultural gap. For those who witnessed 9/11 firsthand, the day is etched into their memory as a defining moment of loss, courage, and unity. For younger generations, however, it has increasingly become a distant historical event, overshadowed by contemporary challenges and competing narratives.
The Diminishing Legacy of 9/11
The erosion of collective memory is not entirely surprising. Two decades have passed since the attacks, and a significant portion of the population has no personal recollection of that day. The passage of time has shifted focus away from the immediate grief and unity that once defined the nation’s response. Media coverage of the 20th anniversary often felt perfunctory, emphasizing political divides over shared resilience. Social media platforms, where younger generations primarily consume information, were saturated with misinformation, conspiracy theories, and, at times, outright apathy.
The survey findings highlight the consequences of this fading awareness. Compassion for a figure like Osama Bin Laden is not merely a matter of historical ignorance; it reflects a broader failure to communicate the profound human cost of his actions. The nearly 3,000 lives lost on that day, the first responders who rushed into danger, and the countless families left to grieve deserve more than fleeting recognition.
A New Vision for 9/11 Remembrance
Amid this disappointing landscape, there is hope. The 20th anniversary may have faltered in capturing the gravity of 9/11, but it has also sparked efforts to preserve the legacy of that day for future generations. One such initiative comes from Chris Meek, co-founder of SoldierStrong, and Michael Gier, an award-winning director and producer with Gier Productions. Together, they embarked on an ambitious project to commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 through a feature-length documentary film.
Production began in February 2022, with Gier and his team traveling across the country to capture untold stories of heroism and resilience. Their mission is simple yet profound: to shine a light on the courage and sacrifices of everyday Americans in the aftermath of the attacks, ensuring these stories are not lost to history. By featuring personal narratives, the film aims to create a deeper understanding of the day that forever changed the nation and to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
This documentary represents a much-needed antidote to the apathy and disconnect highlighted by recent surveys. By focusing on individual stories of perseverance and bravery, Meek and Gier are bridging the gap between those who lived through 9/11 and those who have only read about it in textbooks. Their work serves as a reminder that the legacy of 9/11 is not solely defined by the tragedy itself but also by the resilience and unity that emerged in its wake.
A Call to Action: Remembering Together
As the 25th anniversary approaches, this documentary offers an opportunity to reclaim the narrative of 9/11 and reinforce the importance of remembering. It challenges us to reflect on how we honor the sacrifices of the past and how we educate future generations about the values of courage, compassion, and unity that emerged during that time.
The production of this film is more than a tribute; it is a call to action. It encourages us to move beyond passive commemoration and actively engage in preserving the lessons of 9/11. Whether through teaching younger generations, supporting initiatives that honor first responders and veterans, or simply taking a moment to remember the lives lost, we all have a role to play in ensuring the phrase “Never Forget” retains its significance.
We Remember
The disappointment of the 20th anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the challenges we face in keeping the memory of 9/11 alive. Yet, it also underscores the importance of efforts like those of Chris Meek and Michael Gier, who are determined to preserve the stories of heroism and resilience that define the American spirit.
As the production of their documentary continues, we are reminded that remembering 9/11 is not just about looking back—it is about carrying forward the values of unity and courage that emerged from that fateful day. It is about ensuring that future generations understand the gravity of what happened and the strength that arose in its aftermath.
Together, let us recommit to the promise of “Never Forget.” As we honor the legacy of 9/11 through projects like this documentary, let us stand united in saying, We Remember.
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