Every year, the Princeton Day School community remembers the September 11, 2001 tragedy. In this remembrance, we reflect on the heroes from that day and how we can honor them, as well as the other victims and their families. 

This year, PDS held a gathering that highlighted the story of PDS alum William Langewiesche ’73, who was the lone journalist with unrestricted access to Ground Zero during the nine-month recovery effort. Over the course of that time, he documented the cleanup and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center, writing about the workers, engineers, and logistical and emotional challenges of clearing the wreckage. Students reflected on the gathering and how it touched and educated them. Senior Sara Teryek stated, “I’ve always known how disastrous 9/11 was, but after hearing Mr. Augsburger recite a passage from his book, I felt even more sympathetic to survivors.” Teryek later added, “It is extremely important that 9/11 is never forgotten so that something like that never happens again.” Teryek’s feelings about the September 11 gathering were echoed by other students. Senior Kesley Agarwal stated, “Every time I hear something new about 9/11, I just can’t believe it happened.” Even twenty-four years later, the 9/11 tragedy remains painful to think about. 

In remembering September 11, the PDS community not only honored the lives lost but also found strength in reflection and unity. Through the story of William Langewiesche ’73 , the PDS community honored the heroes and victims of September 11.