Class of 9/11 facts for kids

The Class of 9/11 is a special name given to certain groups of students in the United States. This term was first used by National Public Radio. It mainly refers to students who graduated from high school in 2005. These students were just starting high school as freshmen in 2001 when the September 11 attacks happened. They grew up and went through their teenage years dealing with the effects of these big events. Sometimes, the graduating class of 2002 is also called the Class of 9/11.

This name is also used for the 2005 graduating class of West Point, a famous military school. This particular class had 911 students. They were told they were a "special group forged by historic events" because of the 9/11 attacks and their impact on the country.

A Hero from the Class of 9/11

Who Was Emily Perez?

One important member of the West Point Class of 2005 was 2nd Lieutenant Emily Perez. She was a very talented officer who worked in the Medical Service Corps. This means she helped with medical support for soldiers.

Emily Perez's Sacrifice

Sadly, Emily Perez was the first member of her West Point class to die while serving her country. On September 12, 2006, she was leading a group of soldiers when a roadside bomb exploded. She was killed in the explosion.

Emily Perez made history at West Point. She was the highest-ranking African American and Hispanic woman to graduate from the Academy at that time. She was also the first female West Point graduate to die while serving in Iraq. Her sacrifice is remembered as a brave act of service.