What do we remember of tragedy?

My morning Ethics class brought this question to my head. How much does a young child remember about a public tragedy? I decided to examine my own childhood memories and find out.

1. Kidnapping of Kaylee Ann Poulton - this whole ting played out when I was about three, so I'm retty sure I don't have any direct memories of it... it was very big in Rochester though. I did rememer her name off the top of my head though, and that she was kidnapped from her front yard while riding her tricycle. I think I remember that because this was the fear for years after - that I (or my younger brother) would be kidnapped from under our parent's noses. It seems to have served as a wakeup call of some sort for my parents, and my mom says that's the reason she stated going back to church again, and bringing us.

2. Columbine School Shooting - This took place when I was about nine, so I believe it is safe to say that I should have significantly more memory of it. I don't though. I remember being in a hotel in Philadelphia, on vacation, and watching the news coverage and only partially understanding the tragedy. Sadly, this came to mind again last May at the Academy, when we marched out with our hands on our heads (just as I had seen on the Columbine news coverage) and later learned of the tragedy that had occured.

3. 9/11- I think I was 10 at this time. I recall that day being very confusing, from the time when our fifth grade teacher took us all over to the carpet and explained something about protesters and planes and not liking our country that I didn't really listen to. It didn't seem like a big deal to me, until my mom picked me up from school early because she wanted us to be close if something else happened. I remember arriving home and seeing the plane hit and the firey collapse of the tower played over and over on the tv. Then the other tower. On endless loop. I don't think any American will forget that news footage that played over and over that day, regardless of their age. We had a picnic and my mom tried to act as if everything was okay and normal, but that inexplicable change had already occured.

So, in summary, kids remember more than you would think. Examine your own memory and see what images are ingrained in your head.