On September 11, 2001, the United States of America experienced a sequence of four coordinated terrorist attacks perpetrated by the militant Islamist terrorist group al-Qaeda. The day, commonly referred to as 9/11, is a tragedy that will forever be etched in the memories of Americans. The attacks caused numerous fatalities, and the citizens of the country were gripped by panic and terror.

On the day of the attacks, approximately 140 young children were present at the Defense Department’s Child Development Center, which is situated about 200 yards from the Pentagon, when two hijacked American Airlines Flights crashed into the building. Among these children were Heather and Hanna Born, who were aged four months and three years, respectively, at the time. While they were too young to recall the events of that day, Hanna has some recollections of the commotion that ensued after the crash.

On September 11th, 2001, terrorists hijacked American Airlines flight 77 and then flew it into the Pentagon. Hanna & Heather Born were in the Pentagon's daycare center that day. 20-years later, they are carrying on the legacy of the members of the military killed in the attack. pic.twitter.com/UOJ5UOSIeK

— CBS 21 News (@CBS21NEWS) September 8, 2021

Speaking to CBS News, Hanna said: “I was at the daycare facility playing and dancing with several of my classmates. We were having fun with the dancing ribbons, and the next thing I remember is standing in the hallway.”

All of the children were evacuated, and luckily, none of them was injured.

Remembering the brave service members entering the daycare center and making sure everyone was safe and sound inspired these two sisters to become members of the military themselves.

“I don’t think we know really any of the names of anyone involved,” Hanna said. “Despite not getting any public recognition for what they did that day, I just hope they know how their actions have inspired my sister and I and how we hope to pay it forward.” 

2nd Lieutenant Hanna Born and midshipman Heather Born (Naval Academy's class of 2023).

9/11 Pentagon day care kids https://t.co/0lSyhZuS3P

— ProActive Teams (@KBreisch) September 7, 2021

Today, Hanna is a Second Lieutenant. She’s also in graduate school at Georgetown University studying data science and analytics, dreaming of becoming a search-and-rescue pilot. Her sister, Heather is a midshipman in the Naval Academy’s class of 2023. 

These two young ladies’ parents were part of the military as well, so they have role models to look up to and learn how to serve their country the best they can. Thank you!

.