On September 11, 2001, our country experienced an unprecedented attack on our citizens and our freedom. Now, 25 years later, an entire generation has reached adulthood having only read about 9/11 in history books. They don’t have stories about where they were that Tuesday morning. They didn’t experience the days that followed, when Americans came together to grieve, rebuild and persevere.

On the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, it’s more important than ever to ensure future generations never forget—and to help them understand what it means to honor those who served and those we lost. 

VETERAN MENTORS KEEPING 9/11 STORIES ALIVE

Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) Veteran Mentors across the country are doing exactly that—sharing their stories, honoring our fallen heroes, and inspiring the next generation to understand an essential piece of American history.

John Escalante: Finding Unity & Community Post 9/11

John Escalante, TMF Veteran Mentor, leader of TMF’s NYC chapter, and Marine Corps Veteran, was getting his daughters ready for school on September 11, 2001, when he heard on the news that a plane hit the World Trade Center. As he was watching the live feed, the second plane hit the South Tower. “I knew then that life was going to pivot into something unknown,” he says. 

After leaving his daughters at his in-laws’ and while fielding calls from the Marine Corps Reserves command, he climbed to the roof of his Queens apartment building and took in the aftermath in lower Manhattan. “There was a massive plume of smoke from both buildings, and I just couldn’t believe what had happened. I was feeling outrage, fear, anger, so many mixed emotions. Those two buildings were beloved to me.” 

John and a few of his fellow Marines worked at the pits—the gaping holes left in the ground after the World Trade towers collapsed—supporting the agencies overseeing the investigation and recovery. “Every day was different,” he says. “We had different tasks, we were keeping people safe, and I was honored to be a part of that effort in trying to restore some sort of order in the area.” 

Today, through his work with TMF’s Character Does Matter (CDM) youth mentoring powered by Under Armour, John partners with the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to educate youth about such a significant time in our history. “One of the days we like to talk about is September 12,” he says. “Despite the tragedy that had happened 24 hours earlier, this county was unified. Everybody had an American flag on their porches or in their windows. Everyone was outside hugging each other, taking care of each other.” 

Darren Jackson: Remembering 9/11 & the Sacrifices Made

Darren Jackson, TMF Veteran Mentor, leader of TMF’s NYC chapter, and Marine Corps Veteran, was in the Air National Guard on 9/11. “I worked the night shift and my brother called me to tell me what happened,” he said. “I got my uniform on and went to work.” 

He lost three close friends in the attacks—Port Authority officer Dominick Pezzulo, FDNY firefighter Manuel Mojica, and FDNY Chaplain Father Mychal Judge, who is considered the first official victim of 9/11. “When I saw his lifeless body being carried out of the World Trade Center, that’s when I realized it was all real.” 

Over the last 25 years, Darren has made a point to ensure his friends are not forgotten. “Being in the military [during 9/11], there was so much to process, and we had a job to do. Now I celebrate their stories. I talk about them every chance I get, not in sadness but in celebration. They were great people, and their names will live on.” 

Every time Darren visits the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, he visits Manue’s name etched around the reflecting pool. “I come, I touch his name, and I give him a salute,” he says, “just to let him know he will never be forgotten.” 

Through his work as a Veteran Mentor with CDM, Darren helps students in New York City understand an essential piece of history. “I learned about Pearl Harbor and the Emancipation Proclamation—that was history for me, it was before my time, but I learned about our country from those events. For these young men and women who weren’t born on 9/11, they get to see why they’re living in the world they’re living in today. It’s a great opportunity for them to better understand us, and the rest of the world as well.” 

Like John, Darren remembers September 12, 2001, as the start of a period of unity. “All of a sudden, we didn’t not like each other,” he says. “Who you voted for was irrelevant. Those of us in uniform, we were always given respect. All of a sudden, we became one.” Darren is  hopeful that the work he and other veterans are doing now will have an impact on the next generation. 

“The work I do with TMF to honor the sacrifices of the men and women who perished on 9/11 is to ensure they're never forgotten,” he says. On the 4th of July this year, he and other volunteers were placing flags by names at the 9/11 Memorial. “People came up and asked me about TMF. Before you knew it, they’d signed up, they had shirts on, and they were placing flags. And they felt good about themselves because they were doing something.” 

CARRYING THE MISSION FORWARD IN REMEMBERANCE OF 9/11 

Tim Sullivan, a Marine Corps Veteran and retired Captain with FDNY Rescue 1, remembers arriving in lower Manhattan on September 11, 2001. “It was mind-boggling to see the absolute devastation," he says, “and the guys who’d survived, stumbling out covered in dust. We didn’t really know where to begin, it was so overwhelming.” 

Twenty-five years later, Tim—who has a special connection to 1stLt Travis Manion—believes it’s critical to renew our promise to never forget. “I would just ask that people take a moment to remember what it was like in the days and weeks after 9/11. We were able to get along, we were able to work things out, that—in the grand scheme of things—taking care of one another was the most important thing.” 

Tim keeps his promise alive by running in TMF’s 9/11 Heroes Run, an annual event that unites communities across the country to honor those who perished, those who served, and those who carry on the memory of what it was like to experience the day that changed everything. 

“It’s an honor to run with the 9/11 Heroes Run,” he says “It’s not about me, or anything I did, but it’s about remembering other people—the firemen I worked with, the guys I went to the fire academy with who died on 9/11. It’s a moment to get out there and be a part of something a little bit bigger than yourself.” 

FIND A 9/11 HEROES RUN NEAR YOU

There’s still time to register for or volunteer at a 9/11 Heroes Run near you. Races are happening in more than 100 communities across the country, along with a virtual registration option. Whether you run, walk, or simply attend to honor those we’ve lost, you’ll be a part of a movement that ensures 9/11 stories continue to be told and honored for generations to come. Head to our 9/11 Heroes Run page to learn more and sign up.