The Children of 9/11: Hope & Healing 20 Years Later | PEOPLE

In this exclusive interview with the four 19 year-olds featured in the new Magnolia Network documentary, 'Rebuilding Hope: The Children of 9/11', Jamie Gartenberg Pila, Gabriel Jacobs Dick, Ronald Milam Jr., and Alexa Smagala open up about being born after losing their fathers during the September 11th terrorist attacks, how they’ve found inspiration in the fathers they never met, and how they’ve tried to honor them in their daily lives.
Subscribe to People ►► bit.ly/Subscrib...
#September11thTribute #9/11Tribute#PEOPLE
Catch up on the latest celebrity news, top stories and more:
• Pippa Middleton Welcom...
PEOPLE goes behind-the-scenes with our cover stars for exclusive stories and in-depth interviews:
• Michelle Obama on Love...
PEOPLE goes in-depth with your favorite stars and celebrities to bring you exclusive stories and features:
• Meet 3 Doctors Who Are...
Go inside the homes of your favorite celebrities with exclusive house tours: • NCIS’s Sean Murray Ope...
Get exclusive access into the biggest celebrity weddings. From the dresses and rings to dances and surprises, PEOPLE covers it all: • Inside Real Housewife ...
Watch as your favorite couples reveal the secrets to love and happiness in celebrity love stories:
• Ted Danson and Mary St...
Stay up to date with The Royal Family: • Prince William Respond...
Watch kids interview your favorite celebrities with the most adorable questions you'll ever hear:
• Jimmy Fallon Answers K...
ABOUT PEOPLE
PEOPLE remains the trusted authority at the center of pop culture. The PEOPLE brand features a unique mix of breaking entertainment news, exclusive photos, video, unparalleled access to the red carpet, celebrities, and in-depth reporting on the most compelling newsmakers of our time.
CONNECT WITH PEOPLE
Web: people.com
Twitter: / people
Facebook: / peoplemag
Instagram: / people
The Children of 9/11: Hope & Healing 20 Years Later | PEOPLE
/ people

[@cameroncalzone8860]

they actually all four look EXACTLY like their fathers. like you can completely tell that they are their children

[@miranda13c]

The two guys definitely do, but I agree that all four resemble their fathers. I imagine that their mothers found both comfort and sadness in that.

[@corduerorose9747]

They could have been recarnate into them 💖👍🙏

[@jrmetmoi]

Yeah they do look like their fathers

[@Maryaliece]

I was thinking the same thing! Crazy!

[@camillevote7901]

Hard not to tear up at that …

[@gilabrat]

I still have the magazine from when they were babies

[@Carriehammer718]

I remember that

[@volcrazy89]

IKR? I'm only 32 but I'm feeling quite old right now haha

[@aawillma]

How strange to grow up living in the shadow of someone you never knew, of an event you have no memory of. As a millennial American, my generation is defined by our collective loss of innocence on that day. Their generation was spared from experiencing that tragedy first hand but these kids are unique amongst their peers in that they can never escape it. Bizarre.

[@elsafralves]

Well this phenomenon happened a lot in human history (wars) so I don't think it is special in a macro level of course. It is definitely special for each one of them

[@coreyjacq]

We see these themes amongst adoptees who were taken from their mothers at an early age.

[@user-rw2dr5my1s]

Well put, these kids are connected to an event that they have no recollection or experience first hand, it must be weird.

[@jarredkennedy6131]

I'm Australian but also a millennial (I'll always remember when I first heard the horrific news) and that was brilliantly said.

[@ashleyrodriguez8156]

My sister was 9 months old when our dad died. She says it's very strange but she loves the stories it's hard for my mom cuz she looks exactly like him.

[@California265]

Absolutely astonishing how much these kids look like their fathers. Striking resemblance with all four.

[@momof4kids735]

Holy cow I know! I was just thinking the same thing, so I went to the comments to see if anyone else thought the same. It’s incredible. ♥️

[@California265]

@@momof4kids735 maybe they were chosen for that reason. Whatever this was an incomprehensible tragedy. Too much pain

[@Yuhon100]

I think that their fathers would be proud of them.

[@Anne-ot8gq]

I would feel so blessed if my children looked this much like their father.

[@rphillips500]

The blonde girl is the image of her dad. Made me cry

[@sanginguy1289]

Their fathers are definitely living through all of them. RIP to those heroes. 🙏🏽

[@maximusw01]

Indeed. They would be so proud

[@McCarthy0000]

This is so sad these kids got robbed their fathers for nothing more than hate. I can’t believe what people can do to other people, it’s so scary.

[@BettyMareeHOHCountry]

sad that none of their fathers will ever see them get married or walk them down the aisle on their wedding day. this event is horrible in every way its worst than the Manchester arena attack i was 2 when this happened and i have no memory of the actual day but i do remember hearing that the leader that planned this attack was found and killed in 2011. its crazy to think that these kids will forever be motherless and fatherless.

[@ILovefood92]

Ikr 😞

[@Uf46-n6u]

You have to ask this question to the US government they have created so many enemies in the world

[@cassandralake7989]

I was going thru a very rough patch in my life & was packing to go to inpatient rehab. My life was in chaos. As strange as it may sound, i made the decision THAT day that life is too short & i needed to get help for my depression & stop using drugs as an escape. I totally turned my life around. I completed rehab, completed nursing school graduating w/ honors. Got married had a set of twins & went on to have a good life.

[@marjorievault524]

Proud of you 🥹 from one addict to another ❤

[@meghanxox]

These kids look just like their parents. ❤️

[@hanphilnoffz8827]

Yeah they be adult this year officially

[@yeoisa]

they resemble their fathers so much. how comforting for their families

[@linedancer23]

They all look like their Dad’s.♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@ScaryBoomBoomGun]

I can't get my head around what these families must go thru every year on 9/11. To be bombarded with the loss over and over again. ☹

[@beckyc3127]

Obviously they have to relive it again on a more public basis, but I wouldn’t think it’s much different than what anyone goes through on the anniversary of a loved one’s passing.

[@flamingmidas]

@@beckyc3127 22.24 16

[@ramonagaerin258]

God bless these amazing children and their families. Their fathers gave the ultimate sacrifice for others.

[@SihayaWasHere]

I was born the day before 9/11, remembering the lives that were lost ❤️

[@josephstevens9888]

Happy 20th birthday Sihaya! I hope you live the rest of your life in a time of peace.

[@WickedlyMe328]

My niece was born 18 days later…her dads birthday is 9/11

[@dpbarbie9560]

Their fathers would be so proud of them all! Cant believe its been 20 years! I visited New York few years after this happened and it is amazing there a very special place ❤

[@MooCorvillo]

This made me cry .. Just wow. NEVER FORGET

[@mattg5195]

Rest in peace to their fathers, and may they never be forgotten. Happy 21st Birthday to them too!

[@corrynthiaiam9205]

I remember Jim Gartenberg the most on 9/11. I was in 11 grade here in Miami, Fl in my Economics Class, my teacher had the TV on and he was on the phone speaking to an a news anchor & saying that they were ok & something was blocking them from going downstairs. I remember when tower fell thinking: I wonder if Jim & them got out in time.

[@Palikroked87]

Woow that's so terrible!

[@SelinaBeana]

@@Palikroked87There’s a good documentary that focuses quite heavily on Jim. It’s called “voices from the towers”

[@mimigrabner4486]

Hugs and lots of love to all children that lost a parent on 9/11

[@darkspring9815]

R.I.P. to the fathers 💔 :(

[@denisefrandsen5106]

I have a book with the pictures of each of the new York first responders. I look through it every September 11. Saying a prayer for their families and children. And making a point to look at each one of the faces of the first responders. It's the smallest way, I can honor that they are not forgotten. God bless each of you. 🙏💗🇺🇲

[@josephstevens9888]

God bless you Denise!

[@TraumaSurvivorCynthia]

Hugs to each of you. 🤗 My Stepdad, teacher, coach and Hero 🏀 Dave Sanders😇 was murdered at Columbine High school on April 20,1999 in Littleton Colorado💙.... ...... My lesson learned that day was to live everyday to the fullest because you never know if it will be your last.✝️ Appreciate life and don't take it for granted because we only get one life. 🙏 #davesandersstepdaughter

[@margaretigiebor7444]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@marquesturner71]

❤️❤️❤️🙏

[@katiatannus3146]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@elizabethmarielunacordoba9956]

So sorry for your loss Cynthia ❤ he was a hero your father

[@MarianaRojas171]

This is incredible. I loved the fact that all of these children of 9/11 are grateful of this life that we have.

[@sherriweber7105]

Many love and blessings for the children and families of 9/11. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Sariah]

I really enjoyed watching this documentary. I felt like I just wanted to hug Gabby as he was going up that elevator. My son is the same age as them. He was born early 2002, so I always knew how old they were and thought of them often. I even dedicated a section in my sons senior yearbook to the children of 9/11. I had wondered if any of them are friends now. It seems as though some of them are and Im so glad!!! That is a bond they can all share. They have all lost their fathers but gained brothers and sisters. 🤩🙌

[@TheClassictvfan]

I was in a full blown sports crouch watching that man. Like come on man you can do it!!

[@josephstevens9888]

I hope your son and his classmates live in an time of peace.

[@RowdyProwdy]

THEY LOOK SO SO SO SO MUCH LIKE THEIR DADS, it’s wild!!!

[@davmets86]

These young adults are quite amazing and somehow People Magazine managed to find the most telegenic ones. I wish them all well.

[@mjarboesdf]

Aww such wonderful, intelligent, beautiful and handsome young adults! Hope you all know that all you're fathers passed as HEROS! Thank you for being so brave and letting us into your lives, sharing this video with us! ❤🤍💙

[@MichaelPark21]

Much love and blessings to these beautiful children of remarkable human beings ❤️❤️❤️

[@sugarmcdoodles8462]

Omg these kids look just like their parents. You really see it in their adulthood. Much love and respect to those who lost their lives on 9/11

[@shannon_w.]

You know it is so sad to see where we are as a country today. As much pain as there was that day, the one thing that did come out of that is how United we were as a country! Today ALL of that is gone!!!! It’s as if these men, women and children died in vain! To see us on such a United front on that day is what I wish we could have today! Bless all these young adults that lost their fathers on that day and your Dad’s would be soooo please our of who you have become 😊❤️

[@raleemay]

I agree. We were all so united back then. Now very divided.

[@jasmin7463]

United? I wouldn't call hate crimes against poc as united tbh

[@josephstevens9888]

shannon w - please don't give up hope. There are still many, many people who are good, decent souls. I don't believe the FDNY firefighters died in vain that day; they died performing their duty to save their fellow citizens. We must not ever forget their sacrifice. Yes, there are many angry voices out there that create terrible divisions among us today, however I think this is temporary. I have hope in what I see in the young people today - which is clearly demonstrated by the four beautiful young souls interviewed in this video. Don't give up hope; the voices of love, compassion, and tolerance will win over the darkness. Take care and God bless.

[@ava-jl1ll]

God bless them.

[@devonthemaskeddevonaire9471]

all their dads would be really proud their dads legaceys live on

[@crissranger8925]

I was 9 years old :( I remember that day so well. . so sad.

[@BettyMareeHOHCountry]

oh i was 2 years old but 12 but i do remember the day of when Bin laden was found and shot and just hearing obama say that justice has been served but ever since learning about 9/11 in school i will never ever forget the video that we had to watch in Humanities it was a news broadcast and they were showing images or videos of the planes hitting the towers and the pentagon and that was in high school. that has never left my mind.

[@EaZeeE2004]

4 more days and it will be 20 yrs still remember this as if it just happened I was in gym class on the football field when the 1st plane hit the towers I didn't find out what was going on til my next class which was math and the principal made a announcement on the pa system and said if your classroom has a tv turn it on one of the towers was hit by a plane In NY and I remember the teacher was 20 min's late which wasn't normal for him

[@dalehoward3704]

It's Good to see the children of the heroes growing and thriving 💕💓

[@30somethingg]

These babies look just like their dads. Amazing.

[@rachelv8970]

Their souls reincarnated into their kids❤

[@volcrazy89]

These were all on a 9/11 special ten years ago on ABC along with several other kids whose moms were pregnant with them on 9/11. Good to see how they are doing ten years later!

[@sillylovesongs581]

What wonderful, strong young humans. Their fathers would be so proud of them.

[@chloe_3787]

It’s weird to think that I’m only a year or less younger than them. But our worlds are so wildly differently.

[@angelaphipps6463]

You 4 young adults are amazing. You are so strong & brave..how far you have come. Amazing.

[@pme8370]

Wow I was 13 and I remember starting at 9 months after they were talking about babies. And now those children are young adults. Time marches on and fast!!

[@amrose4214]

20 years so long ago but yet it seems like it just happened yesterday.

[@MooCorvillo]

I was in 6 grade gym class when I a teacher told us .. this is sad & yet refreshing to see these kids flourish

[@rosesanderson306]

Such beautiful reflections of their Dads.

[@mattschinsing1281]

All of the September 11th videos on KZbin I cry like a baby it hurts so bad my heart goes to all who lost loves ones

[@danushaforknneer2749]

God bless all of these wonderful young adults and their families. I was 4 months pregnant with my first and only child. It was difficult because I wasn’t sure if there would be a world for my child once he was born and for all of the children.

[@ahendrikse7053]

I couldn’t imagine what this kids are going though after their dads died in the 9/11 attack 2001. So heartbreaking 💔 😢

[@ladyindaroom]

God bless these children. They really had great fathers. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

[@imagine9265]

My father a retired firefighter 🚒volunteer in for years and took visitors on tour even in his early 80s and two titanium knees. He's my hero. Keeping the memory alive..

[@sashamulligan2993]

What great young people! I salute their moms/families for keeping their memories alive.

[@blkyogi999]

Wow… goosebumps. Prayers 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@BaiBailey7]

Their parents are smiling down on them😥

[@TheLeah2344]

I can only imagine watching your father you never met die over and over again every year. I was 5 years old in 2001. 😞

[@madisonharrill1935]

It’s crazy to think this happened when I was alive

[@emmas5000]

Ikr. I was 12. I had no real idea what it meant despite going in my first trip to america to see NY the year before from the uk. Only now do I really understand the tragedy and hell that people went through and continue to do so today. I think about everyone involved often .

[@ava168]

Right? I was 2 so obviously I don’t have any memory of that day but it’s just crazy to think this happened in a time where I was already existing. Seems like such a different wold.

[@sarahrowley6812]

I'm so sorry for your losses! Sending so much love and hugs your way!

[@justjess6]

Looking forward to watching this

[@Eve_Y]

The sad part about Jamie’s dad Jim was that he had stopped working at the towers. He just went in to clean up his desk😢

[@lovely8888888]

It is horribly unfair that they never met their fathers. I was 13 that day and I remember pressure on my chest that day, a very visceral reaction. I have never felt that before or since.

[@daniellemarie6059]

I was 8 years old. Never forget ❤️🙏🏻

[@peachesandqueen7640]

Their parents must be very proud both in heaven and the ones left here to raise them

[@tinacarmody761]

They all look exactly like their beloved father's. ❤❤❤❤

[@WilliamHollinger2019]

I was 7 months old when it happened. It hurts to my core about 9/11. my heart goes for 9/11 who lost their loves ones.

[@juliaweber212]

I think it’s important to hear how they handled it

[@alexandrachertov9813]

Even with pregnant wives at home these brave men risked their lives knowing they may never see their unborn children. Devastating.

[@jamesmichaelwalker683]

The Best Responce ever: Hope and Love!

[@jarredkennedy6131]

Ronald's voice is like a stereo with the bass button pressed.

[@AlexisAdrian0621]

May these teenagers always be blessed

[@tristanrodenhauser5267]

I lived outside DC as kid, was in 6th grade then. Kids were being picked up from school right after the Pentagon was hit. The school bused everyone else home home quickly. No teachers said anything that morning. Right before leaving my maths teacher found a tv. I was home when the first tower fell because we were first kids dropped off.

[@33gorman]

God bless you all!!!

[@debifox5780]

Loving prayers and thoughts to all of you 🙏

[@clairem730]

Such thoughtful, articulate people.

[@lorettadaniels4095]

Yes Anniversaries is very important 👏

[@jill5006]

Such special and wise words. I wish them all the best

[@bengosling4606]

May everyone find happiness and peace 💛🙏✌️ Through tragedy strength emerges

[@lopuyh]

Our heartfelt sympathies to the families .

[@ademirsegura6307]

One didn’t live to see 20 Her name is Christina-Taylor Green

[@darkspring9815]

R.I.P.

[@TheNaturalwoman221]

I bet there's handful of kids that aren't turning out ok and another handful not doing ok because the family left behind couldn't handle the loss

[@ellaeadig263]

Wow - they all look identical to their fathers!

[@chris_stoller18]

Absolutely love this. ❤

[@vet-7174]

RIP to the HEROES of 9/11 and the Families, Never Forget 🇺🇸

[@sallycapili8046]

God bless you all.

[@lulahbelle970]

He doesn't want to be seen as a child of 9/11 yet this is literally titled The Children of 9/11...

[@motorola1543]

Rest in peace

[@JaylenPotts-o7t]

Theyre all very special

[@giselestrauch5146]

what a remarkable story

[@tinyteesforafrica9050]

God bless all of you ❤️🇺🇲

[@jason8952]

"Children are the embodiment of what people in live create". Beautiful thought. However, unfortunately, it's not always true.

[@sierravista9013]

Great kids

[@Carriehammer718]

This comes out on my birthday

[@carinaarguelles4546]

We will never forget.🙏

[@Duricas]

How do you choose 4 out of 100?

[@rodriguezvanessa8583]

I’m saying😂

[@moviequeen5101]

Maybe some kids still don't want to reopen the pain and heartache

[@Whitneypyant]

They probably didn’t want to do it

[@casluvs]

yep because they are of course gonna interview 100 people about it.. not to mention, like the comments say, maybe not all of them wanted to be interviewed about something so traumatic for them.

[@leandrasmith825]

The goal of the terrorists is reduced to nothing from the beauty and character of these children to live with love and compassion. They are proof that America is brave and beautiful, God Bless America, love an Australian xx

[@ainelawlor5755]

Beautiful children ❤ now adults there parents would be proud of them

[@hanphilnoffz8827]

Almost not yet but so close but there 20 now

[@ltpetro]

I feel like it would just be so difficult to live in the US and not be frequently reminded or triggered by depictions of 911, especially coming up on anniversaries. It's difficult to live in this country and not have reminders, let alone if it's a significant part of who you are.

[@joanofarca-8157]

The government owes them and the world the truth.

[@helenmary9628]

Very good story!

[@elissahoran1130]

God Bless everyone in the buildings, all of their families, President Bush, Mayor Giuliani, Firemen, Police, Ambulance crews, People who ran in to help, Priests, Government workers, Leaders, Anyone who helped with the search for survivors, Anyone who helped the families in the time after !!!!!!!!!!! We will never forget !!!!!!!!! You are all heros and Survivors !!!!!!!!!!!!!