Senator Heitkamp Talks to 5th Graders About Terror Attacks

As we honor the memory of those lost on September 11, 2001, we often forget some of our younger generation weren’t even born when the attack happened.

It’s an image engrained in the minds of Americans forever.

“I watched those first responders run into the buildings and I saw those firetrucks and I think it was pretty clear what was going to happen to those men and women in that building,” says Sen. Heitkamp.

And while the years may pass…the emotions stay.

“And I always tell people on the worst day of my life as an American which I think was 9/11 we saw some of the best of America.”

A lesson that Heitkamp wants to share with the future of America.

“Because of the bravery of those men and women who were just ordinary citizens, ordinary citizens on a plane who took it on themselves to protect our country and protect the great symbol of their country,” says Heitkamp. 

“The 5th graders here weren’t even born when 9/11 happened, but Senator Heitkamp is making sure that they remember.”

“Well I knew about it but I wasn’t exactly sure until about third grade that’s when we really learned about it and what actually happened with the planes that crashed and I’ve seen it on TV and stuff but yeah it’s really sad,” says 5th grader Aiden Bourke.

“It made me feel sad for everyone in the buildings that had died and it made me feel also glad that everyone was serving our country trying to help us,” says 5th grader Jagger Wraalstad.

“We have a chance to be everyday heroes. We have a chance to do extraordinary things if it’s not bullying another kid or stepping in when another kid is being bullied if it simply helping at home you build that record and history of service.”

Remembering the heroes of 9/11 not just once a year, but every day.

The 5th graders had the opportunity for some Q and A with Heitkamp…asking details about 9/11, if she knew their parents … and even about her take on the Iran deal, which she supports.