On November 5, 2025, the Senior class took a trip to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. Everyone traveled with NJ Transit, coming through Hoboken, directly to the World Trade Center.
Walking up to the Memorial for the first time was very shocking and devastating. It was upsetting to see how large the monument was – with each name of those who have passed on every side. The closer you go, you can see each name engraved in the same font, and the same size, but representing a different person. Being present in the place where thousands of people lost their lives was an uneasy sight to see, and feeling to feel.
Entering the Museum was very interesting and overwhelming, and the experience was heightened by hearing voices recorded from people playing on the sound system saying, “I was so scared, I did not know what to do.” It made the nightmare even more real.
Every corner you turned, the walls read, “On September 11, 2001, at 8:46 am…”. This left many with straight and emotionless faces. There were so many hidden messages around the place, representing every person who passed away during the tragic time of this terrible attack.
Walking into one of the separate rooms, we saw a display depicting the faces of every single person who passed away, and some exhibits even had some of their belongings. Seeing the scarf or bracelet that an individual used to wear every day, which has now become an artifact, the only remnant left of that human, was truly a sobering experience. Every pillar, every statue, was textured and just as damaged, and left me almost feeling like I was in the moment when it all took place.
There were firetrucks and construction elements all destroyed and dented – evidence of those trying to help on September 11, 2001. Metal wires, poles, parts, and tires were all marked up, really showing how much damage was done, and effort was exerted. This horrible day caused the loss of so many residents and family members. This museum commemorates that, but it also brings into focus the way people came together in a time of crisis and fear.
As we were walking through one of the rooms, my classmate stated, “Wow, I could not imagine the grief their families must go through daily”.
This was not just a class trip, this was an eye-opener to the real world of what took place, and how it affected so many. The events of 9/11 and the exhibits of its Memorial and Museum are significant for the preservation of our history, and the understanding of our world.
It is important to be educated about what happened on September 11, 2001, not just as an American, but as a member of the human race – capable of so much strength and resilience.
