William Faber celebrated his Sept. 11 birthday as any young child would — but after learning about the significance of the day around age 10, he made the choice to spend the anniversary serving others rather than celebrating himself.
Faber’s story and several more are spotlighted in Fox Nation’s new special following Americans born on Sept. 11, 2001, as they now turn 25 years old.
“Born on 9/11: 25 Years with Harris Faulkner” shares stories of how a birthday intertwined with one of the darkest days in American history has influenced lives marked by service, faith and community. The documentary examines the lives of individuals who have given back to their communities as they grew up.
FRANK SILLER: ‘I LOVE YOU, BROTHER’ — THE 9/11 LOSS THAT INSPIRED A MISSION OF SERVICE
Roughly 13,000 babies were born across the U.S. that day, Faulkner said Tuesday on “Outnumbered.”
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK: 9/11 IS JUST A HISTORY CHAPTER FOR A NEW GENERATION OF AMERICANS
Faber told her that, ever since his parents told him the story of 9/11, he has held his birthday parties on a different date.
“My parents… wanted to protect my feelings, the birthday, make sure I was able to celebrate, have fun. And then, as I got to be 10 years old, they told me the story. And so, ever since that day, I really haven’t celebrated my birthday on that day,” Faber said.
He made the choice out of respect for a family friend who died that day and the others who lost their lives in the terror attack.
The lessons America learned from that tragedy are not lost on these members of Gen Z who are now coming of age as they find their own ways to keep the memory alive.
“I want to volunteer, I want to give back to the community on that day. I’d rather not celebrate, I’d rather just do something to help the community as a whole,” said Faber.
“Born on 9/11: 25 Years” is available to stream now on Fox Nation.
