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.
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The Children of 9/11: Hope & Healing 20 Years Later | PEOPLE
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[@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 …

[@yeoisa]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@aileenmccarthy8660]

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 😞

[@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

[@linedancer23]

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

[@meghanxox]

These kids look just like their parents. ❤️

[@hanphilnoffz8827]

Yeah they be adult this year officially

[@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”

[@ramonagaerin258]

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

[@mimigrabner4486]

Hugs and lots of love to all children that lost a parent on 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 ❤

[@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

[@MooCorvillo]

This made me cry .. Just wow. NEVER FORGET

[@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!

[@darkspring9815]

R.I.P. to the fathers 💔 :(

[@mattg5195]

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

[@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.

[@MarianaRojas171]

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

[@rachelv8970]

Their souls reincarnated into their kids❤

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@sherriweber7105]

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

[@MooCorvillo]

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

[@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! ❤🤍💙

[@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.

[@cayden6807]

@@raleemay that’s what they want you to think . We’re really not. I mean we definitely have some kinks to work out. But we would be just as United today as if it was 20 years ago. No one can break America. Even the loud mouths in the White House.

[@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.

[@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.

[@devonthemaskeddevonaire9471]

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

[@MichaelPark21]

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

[@30somethingg]

These babies look just like their dads. Amazing.

[@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

[@amrose4214]

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

[@ava-jl1ll]

God bless them.

[@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.

[@blkyogi999]

Wow… goosebumps. Prayers 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@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..

[@sarahrowley6812]

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

[@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.

[@dalehoward3704]

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

[@angelaphipps6463]

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

[@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

[@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!!

[@ladyindaroom]

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

[@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.

[@sashamulligan2993]

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

[@BaiBailey22]

Their parents are smiling down on them😥

[@rosesanderson306]

Such beautiful reflections of their Dads.

[@Anne-ot8gq]

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

[@AlexisAdrian0621]

May these teenagers always be blessed

[@daniellemarie6059]

I was 8 years old. Never forget ❤️🙏🏻

[@lopuyh]

Our heartfelt sympathies to the families .

[@jamesmichaelwalker683]

The Best Responce ever: Hope and Love!

[@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.

[@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

[@jill5006]

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

[@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. 😞

[@justjess6]

Looking forward to watching this

[@clairem730]

Such thoughtful, articulate people.

[@debifox5780]

Loving prayers and thoughts to all of you 🙏

[@tinacarmody761]

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

[@juliaweber212]

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

[@ahendrikse7053]

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

[@peachesandqueen7640]

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

[@chris_stoller18]

Absolutely love this. ❤

[@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.

[@33gorman]

God bless you all!!!

[@cayden6807]

Thank you for deleting the lady’s rude comment! People magazine. Everyone’s feelings are valid, and important, for this horrific day. Whether you where born after or before 9/11. Rip to every soul who lost there lives that day, and after. You all are true hero’s! ♥️❤️🇺🇸

[@carinaarguelles4546]

We will never forget.🙏

[@sallycapili8046]

God bless you all.

[@motorola1543]

Rest in peace

[@giselestrauch5146]

what a remarkable story

[@lorettadaniels4095]

Yes Anniversaries is very important 👏

[@bengosling4606]

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

[@tinyteesforafrica9050]

God bless all of you ❤️🇺🇲

[@miguelpaolodomingo1589]

Stay strong kids

[@thegrumpyhorticulturist]

Your father's are proud of all of you. I know that if I were half as lucky to have any of you as my kids I would be. In light of everything going on surround the US and Afghanistan- We will never forget.

[@helenmary9628]

Very good story!

[@Carriehammer718]

This comes out on my birthday

[@jarredkennedy6131]

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

[@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.

[@ellaeadig263]

Wow - they all look identical to their fathers!

[@ainelawlor5755]

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

[@hanphilnoffz8827]

Almost not yet but so close but there 20 now

[@vet-7174]

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

[@rybread6791]

My. Cousin is Alexa. Love you Uncle Stan 🕊❤️

[@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

[@Carriehammer718]

Wow

[@nillyk5671]

So everyone was a good person...

[@anovemberstar]

iimgine thwre is a lot of pressure placed on theri shoulders to live up to everyone elsews great hopes... growing up in the shadows of their fathers. Obviously thee young adults are happy with the way things are, but i imagine some of the other young adults feel resentful and want to be seen as their own person, with their own talents, and own dreams for their lives - which may be very different to what the peple around them want or expect.

[@9windy9]

communications live witnessing i can never forget spirits put to rest from my walks.

[@lulahbelle970]

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

[@ademirsegura6307]

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

[@darkspring9815]

R.I.P.

[@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😢

[@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

[@Mammaj1963]

Shame on the 24 people who gave this thumbs down 🤨

[@sierravista9013]

Great kids