What we remember when we remember 9/11
President George W. Bush reacts in a Sarasota, Fla., classroom after being told of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on Sept.
Flashbulb memories are vivid and long-lasting recollections of the exact moment when someone learned about a surprising and significant public event, such as the September 11 terrorist attacks. These memories are not about the event itself but about the context in which the person first heard the news. For example, a flashbulb memory of 9/11 might include details like where a person was, what they were doing, who they were with, and how they felt when they saw the events unfold on television. The term was first introduced in 1977 by psychologist Roger Brown and his student James Kulik. Unlike ordinary memories, flashbulb memories feel highly detailed and accurate, which is why people often trust them strongly. However, research shows these memories can fade or change over time, just like regular memories, despite their vividness.
Not all surprising events lead to flashbulb memories. Research suggests that events must be important within a person’s social group or relevant to their identity to create such memories. For instance, the 9/11 attacks were not only surprising but also deeply connected to American identity and social values. The emotional impact of the event plays a key role, as does the way people discuss and share their memories within their communities. This sharing reinforces the importance of the event and strengthens group bonds. For example, grandparents might share their flashbulb memories of 9/11 with younger family members to highlight its significance and teach historical lessons.
Flashbulb memories like those of 9/11 serve as a way for individuals to connect their personal history to broader historical events. Sharing these memories can feel like an act of patriotism or solidarity with others. For example, Pennsylvania state legislators have publicly shared their recollections of where they were when they heard about the 9/11 attacks, linking their personal experiences to the event’s political and social consequences. Over time, these shared memories help people who did not directly experience the event understand its meaning. As the number of people with direct memories decreases, the event transitions from personal recollection to historical memory.
The phrase 'never forget' is often used after tragedies like 9/11 to honor those who were directly affected and to encourage reflection on the lives lost. For some, remembrance is a deeply personal act of mourning, while for others, it is a way to show respect for people they did not know. As time passes, remembrance becomes more abstract, focusing on lessons learned and future actions. Public memorials, such as the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, are designed to encourage this kind of reflective remembering. The goal shifts from personal recollection to preserving the event’s historical and cultural significance.
Remembering 9/11 can take different forms depending on a person’s connection to the event. For those who directly experienced the attacks in New York, Virginia, or Pennsylvania, memories are often traumatic and deeply personal. For others, flashbulb memories of hearing about the event are unique to their own experiences. Meanwhile, factual memories—such as knowing that planes hit the World Trade Center and the Pentagon—are shared by all Americans but are less personal. Each type of memory plays a role in how society collectively remembers and learns from the event. The importance lies in recognizing these different perspectives.
