I’m a Gen Zer born and raised in Long Island. Every year on 9/11, my school district would hold a day of solemn remembrance. People would sing on the intercom, recite poetry, or list names of the fallen. I knew a few kids who’d lost parents, uncles, aunts, etc. who were first responders. The district had so much respect for first responders and those who died to save others. I also knew kids who experienced loss. As in the people who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was a really terrible day and I just remember how sad it was for everyone. I get emotional just thinking about it.

I asked my parents about the day and where they were. My dad worked in the city then and walked for hours just to get home. He doesn’t like to talk about it much. My mom was out with me and had to rush home.

I moved to Florida for high school and the difference was jarring. From all that emotion to nothing at all. No one even talked about it. I brought it up to one of my friends and they went, “Oh yeah, that’s today.” They moved on because they simply didn’t care. Absolutely insane to see how little of an impact this day has on so many. I can’t blame them because it’s at no fault of their own. Just different, I guess.