The children of 9/11 victims

Gayle King sits down with Olivia Perez, Lauren Charette, and An Nguyen who were 10, 8, and 4 years old when they lost their fathers in the 9/11 attacks. They reflect back on their journeys with grief, resilience, and honoring their fathers' legacies.
Each weekday morning, "CBS Mornings” co-hosts Gayle King, Tony Dokoupil and Nate Burleson bring you the latest breaking news, smart conversation and in-depth feature reporting. "CBS Mornings" airs weekdays at 7 a.m. on CBS and 8 a.m. ET on CBSN.
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[@Crown149]

Lauren saying she doesn’t know if she made him proud made me tear up 😢 … she’s so broken

[@Wavy-]

100% sure he is.

[@Crown149]

@@Wavy- absolutely. ❤️

[@camarojai6832]

Just tore my heart up…just wanted to hug her. His little girl is growing into a strong woman. He’s probably beaming from ear to ear

[@lexiemann1231]

She is still absolutely broken up about it. My heart goes out to her. Her father is beyond proud!

[@tinahuttner7280]

Ya I got that sence as well, my heart goes out to her cause mostly a male role model is so important for a girl and young lady.

[@eileeng5076]

Lauren’s courage to do this interview would make her dad proud.

[@pammiesingkho1786]

No doubt about it!

[@EvadoCouto]

I was floored by how vulnerable they all were. Gayle did great, I don’t like the forgiveness question but otherwise I think she did really great with them.

[@suru01]

YES! So much respect for her.

[@Carousel5883]

Her being strong and composed and acting her age or at least an adult and most of all speaking clearly instead of like a scared,weak 9 yr old would make him proud.My cousin lost her father to crime when she was 9 and she's the eldest.Even when she was 19 she spoke clearly, articulately and in a composed,mature demeanor.

[@micah3331]

What about they're mom?

[@yvetteb1061]

My God, "Am I still your little girl"? That broke me.

[@4littlemom]

It still gets me Everytime I hear it. 💕

[@heatherlynsey3092]

I was not ready 💔

[@buttercupj6208]

@@heatherlynsey3092 same here 😥

[@zaphodbeeblebrox3986]

As the Daddy of a little girl, trust me, you'll always be his little girl. Forever.

[@Carousel5883]

Yes you are a little girl cause u act ,sit,talk like a little girl

[@brooklynbarbie6855]

My dad was a NY city firefighter who also died tragically and I don’t think it’s something you ever get over. Still I struggle daily with his passing. I relate so much to all 3, except I was days away from 21 when it happened. I struggle this time of year, & hate having a birthday a week after September 11th. I love and miss him daily. Especially having his grandchildren he will never get to know. Sending my love out to everyone who has loved and lost unexpectedly. ❤️

[@Jen-lc5yc]

Thank you for sharing your story..your loss is so heartfelt. ❤️

[@buttercupj6208]

I'm sorry for your loss your dad was a hero and he's not forgotten God bless you and your family 🙏🇺🇸

[@TyWerks]

My condolences and prayers for you. I'm sure he with you all in spirit♥️🙏🏿

[@TheDonna1959]

My condolences & respect for the loss of your precious father.....🌹💐🙏🌸🌻

[@katelynthompsonturner3083]

God bless you and your family, my thoughts are with you today. ❤️🇺🇸

[@amydavis4945]

This may have been about the loss of each of their fathers, but I have to say, their mothers (or whoever raised them) did an amazing job to raise such intelligent, well-spoken, centered, self-assured, articulate, and incredible young people.

[@JeanEDolin]

I know right 😭😭

[@TheDonna1959]

Yes, I definitely admire & give recognition to these awesome mothers!🌹

[@legarla2524]

I know 😭😭😭. God bless those women and all the women out there doing great things

[@legarla2524]

@Cian MacGana if you wish to give those “men” attention then do so, I don’t care. The principal comment was about the women in the lives of these 9/11 kids and that’s the focus of my reply. It’s not about the men and FYI I wasn’t thinking about any man when I made my comment but like I said if you wish to “glorify” them, I really don’t care. It’s a free comment section so do your thing 🙌🏽. I am a man and could careless.

[@camara1194]

absolutely!

[@37Raffaella]

Their fathers are all looking down with pride…..these kids are great!!!

[@dall9329]

Not they are not . They are dead

[@marvinbennett8384]

Some May be looking up

[@d.lawrence5670]

They're not looking down at anything, because like all dead people, they have no sight.

[@sentosaco]

Don't pay mind to these comments Wendy. The amount of pain these kids are still feeling is heart wrenching.

[@37Raffaella]

@@sentosaco I cannot even imagine….

[@daniellekrammel4211]

My heart is in my throat. "Will you be at my wedding?" I hate that their dads didn't get a chance to see them become the wonderful adults that they have become. Kudos to Gayle King - very professional and thoughtful interview.

[@JeanEDolin]

She was really tender with them

[@micah3331]

What about they're mothers?

[@mcrchickenluvr]

@@micah3331as far as we know, their mothers are still with them.

[@micah3331]

@@mcrchickenluvr yeah

[@mayaasan7201]

Yes I watched the documentary "Loose change" about 9/11 and it was very raw very painful to watch ill forever be haunted by those videos And interviews.😢😢😢❤❤❤❤

[@evelyngrace9954]

That’s a sad photo of Andy of him crying at his dads casket when he was little 😭

[@Carousel5883]

He was 4 how could he know what happens.my cousins were like 6 years old when their father died and they didn't cry cause they didn't understand

[@evelyngrace9954]

@@Carousel5883 maybe his mom explained to him what happened

[@thoughtstorn854]

20yrs feels like yesterday

[@FacheChanteDeux]

It really does.

[@ddigiorgio8438]

Such mature, wise, insightful young people. Their pain is palpable. It tears the heart.

[@mayaasan7201]

Yes I watched the documentary "Loose change" about 9/11 and it was very raw very painful to watch ill forever be haunted by those videos And interviews.😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@sabinavrapi7608]

It’s heartbreaking, especially Lauren’s questions, we that relieved that horrible day are never going to forget

[@crazyentertainment4842]

Especially when Lauren's going through her own great sadness, she cry's hearing the guys story.

[@tamaraprentice9280]

You are right. We will never forget!

[@TheDonna1959]

It breaks my heart every year when 9/11 approaches...💔🌸🙏🌹

[@sabinavrapi7608]

I couldn’t stop crying all morning hearing the young generation speaking for their loved ones at the memorial today

[@olivercovington3767]

the terrorist video you havent seen kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn_OqJqCotd5mdU

[@adrianquintana1981]

Gail King did a flawless job interviewing these beautiful people.

[@camara1194]

“Carrying hatred in your heart doesn’t help anyone. It’s exhausting. It’s not worth it.”

[@noam2315]

True, but how do you let go? Tried many things.

[@knowtheunknown2.0og60]

@@noam2315 you don’t let go You live with it you continue and don’t let it consume you

[@brendaeaster8874]

I think very highly of Gayle King. She exemplifies the ideal host: compassionate, caring, direct without stepping on toes. Bravo!!

[@cunningham-code]

She manages to both ask the questions we desperately want to ask and make the people who she is interviewing feel comfortable and open up.

[@blackie8083]

@ Brenda, yes, I totally agree, Gayle is a great host here.

[@vromanoff84nj]

Yes- unlike some journalists she seems GENUINELY empathetic and compassionate

[@secretpal6039]

I feel the exact opposite. She doesn’t come across as caring and compassionate to me. She’s seems like an amateur too.

[@LMCSM]

I agree and to ask the children if they forgive the terrorists that stole their Dad's away from them was insensitive and wrong

[@airam-sj2172]

That baby boy is crying with a lot of sadness. I am so sorry for your loss guys.

[@kokonana4086]

Can't help but teared up as Lauren trembly asks 'Am I still your little girl'?.

[@pookied.7738]

My mom was murdered back in '97. I was 15 yrs old. I will always be her little girl. I was a mama's girl from the getgo and thats how I stayed. She was amazing and I wish my kids knew just how amazing she was.

[@amazingabby25]

I’m so sorry for you loss

[@h251025a]

Iam so sorry you had to endured that at such a young age whkch doesnt make it any easier. Hugs from NJ

[@hera7884]

I can’t believe it’s been 20 years. It’s 20 years that these people have been gone and their families still suffer with it. That’s why we say we will never forget, we will suffer with you but we will never know the amount of pain you feel, but you don’t have to feel it alone.

[@loisbergey7559]

I can never forget; bc it's my birthday

[@buttercupj6208]

Time goes by so quickly I can't believe 20 years have passed....

[@buttercupj6208]

@@loisbergey7559 happy blessed birthday 🎈

[@hera7884]

@@loisbergey7559 happy birthday Lois

[@adiadv10]

Very well said!

[@shivinunitholi2493]

"Carrying hatred in your heart does not help anyone, it's exhausting, it's not worth it." That's the highest form of forgiveness.

[@2listening1]

14:42 Lauren , I am sure your Dad is proud of you. I am proud of you, too.

[@KingOfCharlotteNC]

Losing parents is one thing but losing them at a young age is a whole different level. Those that never lost their parent(s) below 18 will never ever understand and I wouldn't wish that on anyone at all. Kids losing parents is a whole different trauma because the parents wouldn't be there to witness their kids' biggest steps in life. I give my empathy towards these 3 and may God bless them. 🙏

[@dz7a756]

They have a completely different experience in also losing a parent in such a public and tragic way. They probably can never have the grief completely behind them because this was a world event that is replayed so often...not just on the anniversary. Be well and be at peace.

[@KingOfCharlotteNC]

@@dz7a756 So true.

[@gregedwards909]

I'm glad the young man can remember his father. I also lost my father (cancer) when I was four and I don't remember him at all. Let's hope life allows them an easier path as the years roll by.

[@AvecPoesie]

Absolutely correct. My father died suddenly and tragically when I was 13 years old. It's quite rare to lose a parent young and that rarity makes the trauma incredibly isolating. None of one's peers are likely to understand the grief and consuming sorrow. Then you are thrown back into school and social environments with other children that have not a worry in the world. I have never fully recovered.

[@gregedwards909]

@@AvecPoesie I'm so sorry you lost your father when you were still a child. You're right. Isolating describes the experience perfectly.

[@pinaopina]

Im 100% sure the answers to your questions from your dad are, ABSOLUTELY YES! Your Dads would be proud of how you’re handling your life no matter where you stand right now or after.

[@mayaasan7201]

Yes I watched the documentary "Loose change" about 9/11 and it was very raw very painful to watch ill forever be haunted by those videos And interviews.😢😢😢😢😢😢❤❤😢❤

[@busayoogunsola3458]

Lauren isn't healing. She needs some help 😢😢

[@Machelle3200]

She really does. I feel for her.😪😪😪

[@HarryPotter87]

She's still hurting 💔

[@Carousel5883]

Thank God I'm searching for this comment.Its 20 years ago and she's in her early 20s but her demeanor,her grief ,her speech like it happened 2 mths ago and she's 12 years old

[@kvmoy_5865]

Lauren makes me want to cry 😢.

[@camara1194]

i know… i loved her.

[@madreep]

I can resonate with them saying that August is harder. My mom was murdered in 1987 when I was 10 and for about two weeks leading up to the anniversary of her death I always feel out of sorts. Quick to anger. Depressed. It's crazy because I never realize why I feel like that until i notice the date and it hits me.

[@buttercupj6208]

I'm so sorry for your loss God bless you and your family 🙏

[@Siouxperman]

Sorry for your loss, I hope you’ve been able to find happiness in this cruel world, if you haven’t keep striving for it..

[@Ad-Lo]

For me, it’s an entire month before.

[@mrsheatherteske]

I'm so sorry 😔

[@Juliee79]

I’m so sorry 😞

[@oc2538]

I wish I could hug Lauren, she is suffering still so much. As a parent, all I'd want my kids to know you are loved, cherished and will always make me proud and I'm sure her father would say the same if he could. Always tell the people in your life you love them. She doesn't have to do anything other than live her life in a way that brings her peace and joy.

[@heinborp1]

My mom just died but I never got affirmation from her. Rely on God not people.

[@mayaasan7201]

Yes I watched the documentary "Loose change" about 9/11 and it was very raw very painful to watch ill forever be haunted by those videos And interviews.😢😢😢😢😢❤❤😢❤

[@Carousel5883]

As a doctor I'm very concerned about her health..she's at least mid 20s but her demeanor,voice ,the way she sitting,her body language is like a little girl.like she is stunted somehow.I have seen children go through what she has and they're very strong or at least they have grown up mentally and emotionally...Wonder if she got help

[@scottcollins7180]

These fathers are looking down from heaven with love and Pride for there children

[@RandomQueenMAE91]

As a young person who has lost both her parents suddenly... My heart is with them... 💔❤️

[@buttercupj6208]

My condolences God bless you and your family 🙏

[@This_Is_Acting]

Sorry for your lost my friend 🥺❤️💔

[@RandomQueenMAE91]

@@This_Is_Acting thank you!

[@brownbbydoll1777]

R.I.P to your parents...unfortunately you lost both but you only lost them physically. they will forever live on in your heart and mind. Your parents will forever love you as you will them! im sure you make them proud everyday :)

[@purplelove010]

❤️

[@chloe-bq5zw]

Oh goodness, I just want to wrap up sweet Lauren in a hug. Of course you've made your father proud, sweetheart. You are HERE telling the world about him, remembering him. He loves you. You will always be his little girl.

[@lm13981]

I wanted to reach out and give her a hug. That broke my heart, she is smart, beautiful young woman. Telling us about your dad, you are very brave.

[@marialisa6478]

Lauren's questions brought tears to my eyes. As a daughter who lost her father when I was 28, a year before my wedding, I searched for signs of him on my wedding day. The questions "Do you still love me?" and "Am I still your little girl?" I have never thought about those questions until now and opened up a new type of pain I didn't know existed. But I thank Lauren for that. I needed to find that pain.

[@TheDecoCottage]

Same. I lost mine at 28, though he got to see me get married and have my first baby (who was 21 months old at the time), I still wonder if he’s proud of me and if he’s watching my boys grow up.

[@mayaasan7201]

Yes I watched the documentary "Loose change" about 9/11 and it was very raw very painful to watch ill forever be haunted by those videos And interviews.😢😢😢😢❤❤❤

[@seegreen3268]

I have a lump in my throat Omg Bless all these kids Wait they’re not kids Sending love to all 🥰

[@sharonisaac445]

God Blessings to these Beautiful children, they are the legacy of their parents

[@brownbbydoll1777]

Ameen!

[@EvadoCouto]

I was already crying but “am I still your little girl” broke me. My goodness, the absolute wrenching of their pain. Peace be with them and all of the kids and families of 9/11. Your dads would all be so proud. So so proud.

[@bernitacenteno1326]

LAUREN, It's not your responsibility to owed anyone. You are the victim as well of 9/11. Hugs and kisses to you and your family.

[@gutgulp5058]

No she isn’t? She lost someone due to 9/11 but she didn’t experience being inside the building or be a survivor….

[@lolab2896]

@@gutgulp5058 being a victim doesn’t mean you experienced everything that happened. She is a victim. Her father was taken from her in an act of terrorism idk why she wouldnt be labeled as a victim

[@kaiteeet7325]

@@lolab2896 exactly

[@laurenlocd3180]

@@lolab2896 she’s not a victim her father is.

[@BookishDark]

Lauren absolutely broke my heart - I so want her to know that he’s so proud of her. “If you can be anything, be kind” - Lauren, don’t you know how breathtaking it is to hear you say that? A child who lost her father to horrific hatred has grown up to embrace kindness? Lauren, you are everything a father would hope his daughter to be. Please know that. I didn’t know your dad, but as a mother to two little girls, there’s nothing I could hope for more than for them to grow up to embrace kindness. You had ever reason to reject it and still you chose it - your father is beyond proud of you.

[@Jen-lc5yc]

What the young man in the middle had to say really choked me up. ❤️

[@melissabattaglia6753]

Heartbreaking! Brings me back to that horrible day, but I remember that for a time, we were united, supportive of each other, kinder, more tolerant.

[@itgetter9]

If the same attack happened now, Trump supporters would be cheering that "blue" New York got attacked. THAT'S how far we've fallen, thanks to Trump's campaign of division and hatred.

[@shannon_w.]

You are SOOOO right about that! It is so sad to know that we all were at one time so United as a country to today where the hatred we see is almost as much nonsense as the hatred there was that day! I would like to go back to that day ONLY for the United front we were and ONLY for that!

[@volcrazy89]

"More tolerant". lol yes the Islamaphobia and xenophobia that swept the country afterwards exhibited so much tolerance.

[@melissabattaglia6753]

@@volcrazy89 I meant more tolerant of each other as in we were more of a united country showing our patriotism. That’s not to say prejudices didn’t exist then or now. We are fellow Americans but aren’t even civil to each other now. It’s red against blue and blue against red, and the country be damned. People “hated” Trump, and now I see “F%+$ Biden” signs all over. People verbally attack people who do or don’t wear a mask, who are or aren’t vaccinated, who did or didn’t vote for whomever. We are a country divided, not united in any way. It’s so sad, and not what I grew up believing about my country. Not to mention, the same people who today are against Asians, African Americans, and anybody who isn’t white are likely the same people whom you are referencing. That is NOT anyone I know personally, nor was or is it I.

[@sadpanda2633]

@@volcrazy89 hey way to try and make a deeply heartfelt comment about racism when it was completely irrelevant to content of said comment. This is the type of crap the op was referring to truly always ready to prove someone else wrong in some way instead of showing kindness and solidarity.

[@violetsun2343]

I was in Jacksonville Florida ,in elementary school ,just got done seeing Jeb bush reading a book to my class , before I knew it my brother and I we got signed out of class and I just remember mom balling in the car, we got to her sisters house and turned on the tv and we saw the second plane hit on live TV and my mom screamed so loud and as a kid I will never forget that scream ………….ever . My husband and I got married on sept 11 and come to find out he was right down the street from my school when it all happened ,We both have a tattoo of 9/11 and not only was it the worst day of my life but it’s my husband and I anniversary.God bless .

[@Ebony_Monique]

I lost my dad 3 years ago at the age of 24. My heart breaks on a whole new level for these young adults. Their time with their fathers was cut so short. It’s just unfair.

[@dougkelley2781]

I’m so sorry for your loss. No matter how long you have your parents, you are not ready to lose them. To do so at a young age is the worst. I’m sure your dad is very proud of you. ❤️

[@MONi_LALA]

I don't think a 3 years old me remember much or anyone of that age remember much at all. But I remember 5 minutes of my mom screaming at the tv and crying. It takes me 10 years to understand why.

[@alexanderperez2732]

It's not just terrorism. People don't understand most things until it affects them.

[@uncontrollable343]

Ignorance is a real burden on the human race.

[@mobee7613]

So true

[@toni7808]

Lauren made me cry. Praying for healing for you and sending light your way. It’s okay to not be okay, take it one day at a time ❤️

[@rozhin6055]

Lauren's got such a kind face 😭💔😔

[@camara1194]

she had me very emotional so much. i want to hug her

[@dragons0914]

Rip pops. My dads fear was always heights. I wonder how scared he was. Miss you G, fly high.

[@brownbbydoll1777]

R.I.P! Gone but never forgotten.

[@miranda13c]

I know their fathers are proud of them. It breaks my heart that they have that doubt in their mind.

[@micah3331]

Their mothers are proud too

[@missseveri3512]

I will be laying some flowers at a local memorial and saying a prayer tomorrow. I feel like 9/11 should never be forgotten. ✌ ❤

[@TheDonna1959]

Listening to this interview made me cry. The loss, sorrow, & pain for these 9/11 children & the other families is difficult for anyone to grasp. Sending love, light, peace, & comfort to these children. Appreciate each day. Hug your loved ones. Make cherished memories. We never know when such a tragedy can personally touch our lives. RIP....🌹💐🙏🌸🌻Dedicated in memory of the many precious 9/11 lives.....😰

[@noellemiller1353]

9 11? Or is 8 11 a different thing?

[@TheDonna1959]

@Noelle Miller I made an error. Thank you for catching that...💐

[@erinlawrence1501]

I always tear up when I watch the 9/11 interviews.

[@mayaasan7201]

Yes I watched the documentary "Loose change" about 9/11 and it was very raw very painful to watch ill forever be haunted by those videos And interviews.😢😢😢😢😢😢❤❤❤😢😢

[@gingw7333]

Lost my Dad 56 yrs ago. What goes through my mind most frequently is : Who would I be had he lived? Where would I be had he lived? I know for sure the answers are not who and where I am now. It's been a hard life without his love and guidance. I've tried my best to be what I think he would have wanted me to be. May God comfort and give strength to the survivors.

[@brownbbydoll1777]

I completely teared all the way up reading your comment. I know you have made your father proud and are still making him proud. he will always love you. God is in control and your father is in good hands now, he is placed back with Our creator the Almighty God who makes no mistakes. Wishing you strength and healing in your times of weakness. Stay Blessed.

[@laurenscriven6964]

I often wonder that about my mum too

[@paulabrown6840]

I wish I’d had a father like they had. Beautiful way to honor your dad’s.

[@sallygard63]

All 3 of these ‘9/11 children’ touched me but Lauren just that little bit more 😢 I could almost feel the pain in her voice … bless her 😓 Bless them all 🩵

[@accordinglyryan]

This was really painful to watch, especially Lauren's uncertainty about if her father would be proud of her. I struggle with similar thoughts sometimes having lost my mom at 20. Heart goes out to all the victims of 9/11, truly terrible.

[@tamaraprentice9280]

I am so sorry for every child who lost a parent at the towers on 911. God bless all of you❤️🙏🏽. You are the bravest❤️

[@robertjohnson3128]

I couldn’t even imagine the pain of losing a parent. So sad. RIP to all those who lost their lives on that terrible day

[@micah3331]

The poor women who gave their lives on that day

[@chloekit4861]

I was working at banana republic I was 17 I remember a lady about 30 years old came in & asked for help finding a dress I asked what was the occasion and she told me it was for her husbands memorial she lost her husband he was a fireman and perished in the towers this was 2 months after I remember her breaking down & I hugged her it was tough

[@nikgeo8690]

Lauren looks so fragile and sensitive...bless her

[@sabinavrapi7608]

Gail it made me cry but a great interview, may God give them strength

[@user-tq9vs6fc9u]

No one deserves to go through this. Too many people lost loved ones in this event.

[@mirockle]

Lauren. ❤️

[@adorabasilwinterpock6035]

I’m thinking about the how united the country was in 2001-2002 after that terrible day, long time ago now sadly

[@davepowell7168]

That was part of the motive

[@Mr.Strickland410]

Damn what’s even more heartbreaking is that most of the victims kids are our age. I was 3 years old when it happened but I don’t remember much

[@user-lq9es6wm9s]

Oh sweet, sweet Lauren 😢💔

[@deniset1742]

As heart wrenching as these interviews are, the young adults are amazingly mature and articulate. There is no parent who wouldn't be bursting with pride to call them theirs. What wonderful human beings!! Thank you for sharing something so private for us all to better understand the magnitude of the losses.

[@mayaasan7201]

Yes I watched the documentary "Loose change" about 9/11 and it was very raw very painful to watch ill forever be haunted by those videos And interviews.😢😢😢😢❤😢❤😢❤

[@maryanderson2507]

I can't stop the tears. What strong, and beautiful, people they turned out to be. Their dads are looking down from heaven with hearts beaming with love and pride. 💗

[@kaydublin5164]

Made me so sad, I lost 2 parents when I was, 29 and 30, I can’t even imagine losing one when I was still a child, what incredibly brave and beautiful children.

[@HismerciesareneweveryAM]

I wasn't expecting this, but my heart feels SO connected to these young adults! I wept with them while watching this...My own father died in April of 2001 when I was 13, and although I didn't personally know anyone who died on 9/11, my brain connected those two tragedies of that year. I also grew up without a father and can really empathize with their pain, although I know their grief stories are very different from mine. I wish them all further healing, for I can tell they are still so hurt and broken from that terrible day. May their fathers rest in peace and let their children know they ARE proud!! ❤

[@AuthenticAna]

THIS got to me ... 😢 My ❤ goes out to ALL d 9/11 fam affected. May your loved 1s memories keep you going. 🙏

[@lisah5784]

Same 😢💙

[@HB-lo8dj]

The young man would make me proud to be his parent. Soft spoken, intelligent, articulate and so endearing. The way he told his story really touched me. He will go far in life and I have no doubt he will make a difference in this world. Olivia and Lauren are two beautiful, gentle and inspiring young women. They express their feelings so intimately, I could feel their hurt. May the three of them heal over time and receive an abundance of happiness, love and stability in their lives.

[@seatbythewindow]

My heart breaks for them. Lauren, you will always be your father’s little girl. Always. There are so many questions I have for my father that he can’t answer now that he’s passed, but I know I’m still his little girl. And always will be.

[@QueenNanaEva]

All are wise young adults, mature way beyond age. Their pain shows in their eyes they all deserve so much respect. Lauren, you will always be his little girl.

[@tmorales1054]

Even 20 years later that pain remains the same.’i was pregnant with my daughter. And she was supposed to have been born that day. I am glad she wasn’t tho because what a day to associate your birthday with. May God give strengths to the family of the deceased.

[@momof2boys104]

Mine is today September 12th. The next day.

[@pennypenny2588]

I can't speak for their dads, I am proud of each one of them.

[@all4the223]

My son was born on July 4th, 2001. His father was a Marine. These kids have never known anything but war. His father died September 21st, 2004, by suicide. This war has taken so much from us. I wish we were the America of September 12, 2001!

[@1stltwife]

My heart breaks for you. I am a US NAVY veteran and my husband was a naval officer stationed on a ship in Earle NJ on 9/11 across from WTC. He was deployed for 11 months post attack. He was constantly deployed until his retirement in 2011 with 25 yrs. I agree with you that we need to be the USA of 9/12 01. I struggle with the world now and wonder why we have spent our whole professional life as military, I am a 100% service connected veteran with an incomplete spinal cord injury. Hurt on active duty. I think did I do this for these entitled fools who have zero respect for the flag, veterans, police or law makers. So much hate and vitriol. I pray that you have found peace and know you are not alone. Please know there are people who appreciate the sacrifice that your family made. I respect and applaud your bravery. May God bless you and America 🇺🇸

[@all4the223]

@@1stltwife so many of our Veterans have basically been spit on recently due to what our government has done. I shake my head and have found myself crying because I know that this was not the America many people fought for. All of these lines dividing us is not what we need. We need to remember what makes us ONE NATION!!! It is not about red, black, green, purple, white … it is about the PEOPLE! We used to be so proud to say we were American; where did that go? I'm still a proud American.

[@marci.0222]

Loss is loss is loss, i’m so sorry for your loss! There is no closure but to live your best life and make yourself proud♥️

[@trisha4265]

I once heard someone say: when you tell someone “I forgive you” it means “it’s all your fault, the blame is on you”. You don’t have to forgive to make the other person feel better. You can forgive simply to say “you did this, it is all on you” and sometimes that can give a little peace too.

[@noam2315]

Thank you, I needed this.

[@sabrinaibas2445]

the broken look on Laurens face at the end really crushed my heart... I really hope she somehow gets the chance to answer these questions for her dad. He is proud, no doubt about it and you are his little girl and he is always by your side, so go hiking with him!!

[@sharonmchugh7730]

This is so intense, i wish them all peace in their lives

[@sadyyasmina4710]

How can people dislike this video…loosing a parent is hard but loosing them in these circumstances is heartbreaking…God help them…I m so sorry you have to go through this 😭😭😭

[@twinkletoes6290]

Well this has me in a mess of tears. They’re all such wonderful, kind, smart, mature, loving ppl. Their Dads are most certainly smiling down at them and a very, very proud of what wonderful ppl they’ve become as they’ve grown up over the years, as are all the other kids who lost parents on 9/11. ❤️🇺🇸

[@larryynman3251]

I'm a dad to two young kids about the same age that these three were when their dads passed and this entire story broke me. I just can't and am in tears.

[@emmamoskowitz2855]

That was really an inappropriate thing for the teacher to do who just announced it in front of everyone, not knowing how other classmates would feel. These young adults are so strong and brave for sharing their stories.

[@myeishawilliams6046]

The last letter made me BAWL….she still seeks his approval 🥺 God bless ALL who suffered losing a loved one in this tragedy…just AGONIZING 😢

[@zebrawithspots8866]

oh my word this had me bawling like a baby the entire time. All three of these souls have matured into thoughtful & mindful adults that NO DOUBT made their fathers BEAMING with pride on the other side.

[@shavonneaga768]

I was 7 or 8 months old when this happened. 2001 February 1st I still can't believe all the pain our country is still going through. I pray for their souls and happiness

[@kynslieb1306]

I was born Feb 8th, 2001

[@teresah2192]

“Some days I can’t get up from be” that’s grief. My heart is with the loss.

[@patcavasin5947]

Oh my goodness, these young people are absolutely amazing....God bless all these children of 09/11

[@jonathanlandau-litewski7405]

Oh my word, the photo of him crying as a 4 year old has just destroyed me. I have never ever seen that photo before. Must feel atrocious to be members of such a club- loss of parents from that day- but it must be comforting knowing other people know exactly how you feel.

[@OwenWise552]

When I saw each picture it was almost cited but when I saw the kid crying at his fathers family I started to cry

[@itgetter9]

Same here

[@Ik1973.]

Heartbreaking 💔 Pain like this you can not just erase … It’s hard to listen so imagine to go trough it …

[@theaeskey2502]

I almost lost my mom that day. My heart breaks for these kids.

[@treyseward7328]

RIP to all taken by these events, blessings to all🙏

[@bhumphries1360]

I remember this day, quite well. I remember feeling heartbroken. I lost sleep at night. My heart ached for the lives lost, and the families left behind. And I didn't know any of these folks personally. I cannot imagine, not one single moment, how these children felt and continue to feel. I hope they know that their fathers are extremely proud of them. I am proud of them too. ❤️

[@GatorTv]

I can’t even imagine .RIP to every single person who were in that tragic attack and I’m so sorry to all the families that were affected. It really does stay with them forever :(

[@saugusguy]

These three amazing young people are such an inspiration to me.. their fathers would be more than proud all of America is proud of them they lived through a horrible thing and they are resilient and beautiful and successful and my heart broke mostly for lauren

[@taxr2111]

You don’t need closure. Just take it one day at a time young ones. ❤️

[@baileyjackson1617]

I can't imagine losing my mother or father. I pray that everyone who has been through this keeps their head up. I am so sorry for you death

[@cinnamar]

😭😭😭 I feel so bad for all those kids who lost their mothers/fathers that day. Prayers to all of them.

[@san-fs8mk]

I lost my father to cancer when I was 19. It was like my whole world shattered. I went on to do better things in life since then and now I am 32. Still that void can never be filled. I can only imagine how tough it must have been for all 3 of them to have lost their fathers at such young age to an unimaginable tragedy. May God bring comfort to them with the warmth of love that Universe can send them their way

[@motojack8692]

I don’t think anyone will forget. We need to remember these thing though so we can prevent anything like this from happening again. I’m sorry for those that lost someone.

[@RevolutioXxNx]

I honestly have no words cause I've cried through most of this but I can say God bless all these children who lost a parent from that day. You're in my prayers.

[@robinmorelli8759]

This breaks my heart....they are so strong!