Some events remain vivid in memory, etched by their significance. For many, September 11, 2001, is such a day. I remember it clearly, not from news reports but because I survived it. I was two weeks shy of turning three, and the day’s events are permanently lodged in my mind.
My sister Heather and I were part of a military family, attending daycare at the Pentagon Child Development Center. It was a close-knit community that we cherished. That Tuesday started like any other, but soon after, the world was altered completely.
The Day That Changed Everything
The North Tower of the World Trade Center was hit at 8:46 a.m., followed by the South Tower at 9:03 a.m. Nervous anticipation spread through the Pentagon, knowing another plane was hijacked. At 9:37 a.m., American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon. I was inside when it happened.
“I had no idea what was happening,”
I recall the chaos as service members worked tirelessly to evacuate us. In days that followed, my father learned how infants like my 4-month-old sister were moved in cribs to safety, and toddlers were either held or carried to a secure location near Boundary Channel. We were comforted by daycare staff until parents arrived.
Family and Community Impact
My mom, stationed at Bolling Air Force Base, faced new responsibilities. My dad, a recently retired Marine, found and evacuated us. The trauma affected me deeply. I displayed childhood regression symptoms beginning with extended sleep after the attacks.
Long-term effects shaped our lives. Being rescued, understanding acts of bravery, and growing in a military environment ignited my desire to serve. Learning of unsung heroes inspired my military career. Now, at 27, I’m a captain in the U.S. Air Force, training as a TH-1H helicopter instructor pilot.
A Lasting Legacy
After purchasing a home, my parents planned to settle in Virginia. Post-9/11, my mother extended her service, retiring after 30 years. They showed gratitude for our fortunate outcome, in contrast to many families affected more severely, living in a manner that honors lost lives.
This motivated Heather and me to follow suit, learning the importance of collective memory and action.
Run to Remember: Upholding Promises
In Alexandria last year, my family and I realized the 25th anniversary of 9/11 was approaching. Reflecting on memorials, it felt like collective memories were fading. In school, the day’s significance was always highlighted, but in high school, I noticed lapses in honoring the victims.
“Times may be changing, but history persists.”
This prompted me to create Run to Remember 2,977 to keep the memory alive daily, not just annually. I aimed to honor the human impact and let families know of ongoing support by running a mile for each victim, speaking a name for every mile.
The campaign began on September 11, 2025, with a 9.11-mile run. Progressing through phases, I dedicated miles to Pentagon victims, Flight 93’s crew, and New York City’s casualties. Final miles commemorate first responders who made ultimate sacrifices.
A Personal Journey and Broader Impact
This initiative began as a personal tribute but evolved into a powerful connection with families sharing stories of loved ones. It renewed my appreciation of national loss and resilience demonstrated over 25 years.
No words express the gratitude I feel to those trusting me with their stories. Through Run to Remember 2,977, I hope to provide a platform for sharing memories and fostering understanding for those unaware of 9/11’s human impact.
“We should wonder what if others got those 25 years back.”
I visit the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial, observing a bench dedicated to Dana Faulkenberg, a 3-year-old passenger on Flight 77. We both were born in 1998, but Dana remains forever young. Recognizing such loss, it’s vital to sustain the promise to ‘Never Forget’ and support each other continuously.
Hanna Born, 27, a U.S. Air Force captain and TH-1H helicopter instructor, honors every 9/11 victim with a 2,977-mile run. She shares updates on social media (@runtoremember2977) to ensure the promise to never forget endures.
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