9/11: Never Forget...and Three Things to Remember

My own children were five and three that September morning. They carry no real memory of the events from 25 years ago, but are seared in our nation’s collective memory. Yesterday, I was holding my 2-week-old granddaughter. She’ll grow up in a world shaped by the threat of random violence: TSA screenings and school metal detectors, never wondering or knowing why…but I do.

Life forever changed on that day. But that isn't the whole story of September 11. It's my responsibility and privilege, as it is yours, to tell the story.

🧠 What the Research Shows

Pew Research states that 10% of American adults today were born after 2001, and most first learned about that day in a classroom, not from a parent. Here's what I want the generations behind me to know about that day. Tragically, nearly three thousand people died that morning. People can be ruthless and desperate enough to oppress and destroy others in service of their own idea of power. While that will always be true, so will this: when evil attacks, goodness responds. There were also thousands of ordinary people who chose courage, responsibility, sacrifice and compassion. While some ran from danger, more made the decision to run toward it because somebody needed their help. Some of those courageous people gave their lives trying to save people they had never met.

Scripture admonishes us to tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, and not hide them from our children (Psalm 78:4-7).  That's why we tell the story. They may never face anything like September 11 (and I pray they don't). But they should know that there is courage that is built in to the best part of them that strengthens them to persevere through any challenge. They should also know that real compassion costs something personal, but it's always worth paying.

The story matters, but so does what it teaches us about God. Here are the three truths worth remembering…

God cares. God sees people when they are hurting, afraid, or in need. He cares so deeply that He isn’t distant, but enters into it with us. Because God cares about people, He calls us to care about them too.

God is at work. Even when something terrible happens, God has not disappeared or stopped working. He is always working for good (Romans 8:28). And He often works through ordinary people who choose to help, serve, protect, comfort, and do what is right.

God overcomes. Evil and suffering are real, but they do not get the final word. God can bring hope out of tragedy, courage out of fear, and good out of circumstances meant for harm. He alone reconciles, redeems, and restores.

In sharing this difficult story, we get to inform our children how God is present with us in times of trouble and suffering. What we end up remembering from these events is the faithfulness and goodness of God. And that is what we should never forget.

About the Author

Jeff Hamilton is the founder of Dad Academy® and author of Dad Academy: Raising Courageous, Capable, Confident Kids. For more than 30 years, he has helped fathers move from intention to action, building stronger families and more connected communities. His work through Dad Academy combines timeless principles, credible research, and practical tools to help fathers lead with clarity, parent on purpose, and leave a lasting legacy.

Equipping Fathers. Building Legacies.

About Dad Academy®

Dad Academy® exists to help fathers parent on purpose.

We believe a father’s mission is to pass on his values and his skills so his children are prepared for life.

Through practical tools, timeless principles, credible research, and ancient wisdom, we equip dads to clarify their values, teach essential life skills, shape a healthy family culture, and build a lasting legacy.

Since 2015, Dad Academy has helped fathers move from good intentions to intentional action by giving them the clarity, confidence, and practical plan to become the dad they want to be.