The 9/11 story America’s teachers keep telling

When the left wing of United Airlines Flight 175 cut through the south tower sky lobby, those who survived the impact didn’t know if there was a way out.

Then, they heard Welles Crowther’s voice. "I found the stairs," he told them.

Crowther led them to safety, turned around and climbed back into the burning tower. The 24-year-old equities trader saved as many as 18 people on his three trips to the 78th floor. He didn't survive.

For many Americans, Crowther became a symbol of heroism on 9/11.

He’s received a number of posthumous awards, and this year will be given the Presidential Medal of Freedom. His alma mater, Boston College, annually dedicates a football game and road race in his honor.

Today, Crowther’s story is taught to children in more than 40 states. His heroism is among the defining ways students from kindergarten through high school learn about the terror attacks.

This year’s class of high school seniors were born seven years after 9/11. Most first graders were born in 2019, almost two decades later. For them, 9/11 is a historical event, not a visceral memory.

As educators grapple with how to help the next generation understand the impact…

Original source: https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/