Washington, D.C. — Twenty-five years have passed since the events of September 11, 2001, but among the thousands of stories remembered each anniversary are those of three 11-year-old sixth graders whose lives ended while they were heading toward what should have been an unforgettable educational adventure.
Their names were Bernard Curtis Brown II, Asia S. Cottom and Rodney Dickens.
On the morning of September 11, the three Washington, D.C., public school students boarded American Airlines Flight 77.
They were traveling to California after being selected to participate in an educational experience connected to the National Geographic Society at the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary near Santa Barbara.
They never arrived.
Flight 77 was hij4cked and cr4shed into the Pentagon.
Twenty-five years later, Washington once again remembered Bernard, Asia and Rodney by name during commemorations marking the anniversary of 9/11.
Bernard Curtis Brown II was 11 years old
Bernard, sometimes called Curtis, attended Leckie Elementary School in Washington, D.C.
He loved basketball, video games and school.
Those who knew him remembered a bright young student with a strong personality and sense of humor.
His academic achievements earned him the opportunity to participate in the California trip.
Bernard was especially excited about basketball and Michael Jordan, who was preparing to play for the Washington Wizards. Reports from the period recalled that Bernard had recently received a pair of Air Jordan shoes and wore them when he boarded Flight 77.
He traveled alongside his teacher, Hilda E. Taylor, who was also among those who lost their l1ves aboard the aircraft.
What makes Bernard’s story even more heartbreaking is that his father worked at the Pentagon.
The child was traveling aboard the aircraft that would ultimately strike the building where his father normally worked.
Bernard was only 11.
Asia S. Cottom had an adventure waiting for her in California
Asia was also 11.
Born in Silver Spring, Maryland, she lived in Washington with her parents and brother and had recently started sixth grade at Bertie Backus Middle School.
She was active in her church’s choir and dance troupe and enjoyed learning.
Asia had been selected as one of the three Washington students for the National Geographic educational experience.
Personal belongings preserved by the National September 11 Memorial & Museum continue to tell pieces of her story today.
Among them are her library card and a pair of Winnie the Pooh earmuffs donated by her parents, Clifton and Michelle Cottom.
Asia traveled with her teacher, Sara M. Clark.
Both were aboard Flight 77.
Years later, Asia’s family continued preserving her memory. Her parents helped create the Asia SiVon Cottom Memorial Scholarship Fund, and her story has remained part of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum’s historical collection.
Rodney Dickens was taking his first flight
The third student was Rodney Dickens, an 11-year-old sixth grader from Ketcham Elementary School.
Rodney was remembered as an excellent student who loved reading, computer games and spending time with his brothers and sisters.
He also enjoyed professional wrestling and Pokémon.
For Rodney, the journey carried another milestone.
It was reportedly his first time traveling aboard an airplane.
He had earned a place on the California educational trip through his schoolwork.
Rodney traveled with his teacher, James Debeuneure.
Like Bernard, Asia and their teachers, they never reached California.
Six students and teachers were traveling together
The complete group of Washington public school students and teachers traveling for the National Geographic-related experience included:
Bernard Curtis Brown II — 11
Asia S. Cottom — 11
Rodney Dickens — 11
Hilda E. Taylor — teacher
Sara M. Clark — teacher
James Debeuneure — teacher
They were among the passengers aboard American Airlines Flight 77 when it cr4shed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.
Their names remain part of Washington’s official remembrance of the victims.
They were not the only children lost on 9/11
Bernard, Asia and Rodney were three of eight children who lost their l1ves aboard the aircraft involved in the September 11 att4cks.
The other five were Dana Falkenberg, 3; Zoe Falkenberg, 8; Christine Lee Hanson, 2; David Reed Gamboa Brandhorst, 3; and Juliana Valentine McCourt, 4.
The National September 11 Memorial & Museum continues preserving the stories and personal belongings of the victims so that future generations remember them as individuals rather than simply as numbers.
Twenty-five years later, Washington said their names again
During the 25th anniversary commemorations on September 11, 2026, Washington, D.C., once again specifically remembered its students and teachers.
Mayor Muriel Bowser issued a proclamation honoring those whose lives were forever changed by the att4cks.
Bernard Curtis Brown II.
Asia S. Cottom.
Rodney Dickens.
Hilda E. Taylor.
Sara M. Clark.
James Debeuneure.
Their California journey never reached its destination.
But 25 years later, their names, personalities, families and dreams remain part of the history America continues to remember.
Bernard was more than a passenger on Flight 77. He was an 11-year-old who loved basketball and school.
Asia was more than a name on a memorial. She was an 11-year-old daughter, sister and student excited about an extraordinary opportunity.
Rodney was more than a victim of 9/11. He was an 11-year-old reader, brother and student preparing for his first airplane journey.
Twenty-five years later, remember Bernard. Remember Asia. Remember Rodney.
And remember the childhood adventures they were supposed to have.
May their memories, and the memories of every innocent life lost on September 11, 2001, never be forgotten.