Observing 9/11 During a Pandemic

Sept. 4, 2020
Brandon Siebert offers a few simple but powerful ways we can continue to honor those who were lost on 9/11 despite the restrictions we face during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We will never forget. It’s a phrase often heard during the month of September, reminding us of the 2001 tragedy in New York City. From Ground Zero to Honolulu, dozens of permanent monuments exist. We visit these sites each year on Sept. 11 to preserve our memories of those we lost and the sacrifices others made. These same memories are passed on to the younger generations with visual or even tactile public memorial design. Physically visiting these memorials allows us to use our senses while observing our solemn feelings. But how do we effectively mourn such a loss during a public health pandemic?

Remember one, not all

Years ago while I was first gaining experience as a fire department volunteer, our coordinator came back from a national conference having learned of a remarkable concept: instead of trying to impossibly remember each of the thousands of lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001 and the years since, commit to remembering one. Pick a person and never forget them. Embrace that person’s life and learn more about them every year.

Observance from home

While in quarantine and practicing physical distancing, take the time this Sept. 11 to choose a person who died during the attacks and begin researching their life online. Let each person in your family determine the person they will memorialize. Begin by recording simple information such as a name and occupation. Build upon this by learning more about their employer, family, and history. Find pictures or thoughtful comments from those who knew them best.

Homeschool assignment

As a parent, set an example for your children by leading them through this journey. Make this a homeschool assignment or suggest the idea to your child’s teacher as a class project. This is a great virtual lesson for students of all ages. Younger students can make a poster board, vision board, or start a scrapbook with pictures and article clippings. Teenagers can write research papers in proper scholastic format. At the advanced level, students may design a memorial website that can be built upon for years to come.

Spread the word

Those of us in public safety should encourage our public information officers to spread the idea throughout the community, particularly on social media. PIO’s: get prepared to pitch this story to local media outlets to go along with any virtual 9/11 memorial events. After introducing the idea, post photographs or videos with your firefighters and police officers declaring who they are never forgetting. Don’t forget your hashtags! #neverforget

Other options

Some other ways to observe and remember from home or while social distancing on Sept. 11 this year include having a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time wherever you are and virtually participating in a 9/11 memorial. In the days leading up to the 11th, check the condition of your flag and install a flagpole or bracket at home. If you know someone who directly suffered a loss, take the time to hand-write them a heartfelt letter.

Summary

We have lost nearly 3,000 people as a result of this tragedy. It is our responsibility to ensure their stories live on, even in the worst of times. Temporary closures or restrictions don’t have to lessen the impact of our remembrance. Make this the year their life becomes part of your own.

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