As the 25th anniversary of the attacks approaches, he honors his late father and his daughter Scottie
Category: Arts & Culture
As the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches, Pete Davidson finds himself in a poignant moment of reflection. Now 33, Davidson is the same age his father, Scott Davidson, was when he tragically lost his life as a firefighter responding to the attacks in 2001. This milestone has reshaped how he views his father's death, especially as he navigates the joys and challenges of fatherhood with his own daughter, Scottie.
In a recent interview with The New York Post, Davidson shared his thoughts on this bittersweet anniversary. "I thought, 'Oh, he was an old guy. He's 33,'" Davidson recalled. "But now I'm there, and I have a kid, and that would be like my kid not having her dad." This realization has added depth to his grief and has made the day even more meaningful.
This year, Davidson is participating in a comedy benefit at Madison Square Garden alongside comedian Jon Stewart to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the attacks. He described the event as an opportunity to reclaim the day, stating, "It’s nice to keep that name alive." He looks forward to making the day special for himself and his daughter Scottie, who was born last December and named after his late father. "It was really cool that Elsie also wanted to name her Scottie," he said, referring to his ex-girlfriend Elsie Hewitt. "When she arrived, we both looked at her and were like, 'She looks like a Scottie.'"
Davidson's perspective on his father's death has evolved as he becomes a parent himself. He admits that this year feels especially challenging, saying, "Honestly, this year is way harder than it’s been in a really long time because I have Scottie, and now I’m the age that my dad was when he died." He expressed a desire to share stories, photos, and videos of his father with Scottie as she grows, ensuring that her grandfather's memory lives on.
During the interview, Davidson also spoke about the emotional weight of his father's legacy. He has kept mementos from his father, including his badge and jacket, which serve as reminders of their bond. "I have his badge, like his chain, and that’s how they — you know, cause everybody was pretty burnt up, so that’s how they knew it was him. And I have it, and I just keep it in a safe because, like with my luck, I’ll lose that s—," he shared. These items are both comforting and haunting for Davidson, who acknowledges the difficulty of keeping his father's memory alive in a way that feels healthy.
Davidson's reflections on his father's death also touch on the challenges of discussing such a heavy topic with his daughter in the future. "I’m not sure how I’ll tell my daughter about how her grandfather died," he admitted. "Luckily, I have some time." He recalls the confusion he felt as a child when he learned of his father's death, noting that his mother shielded him from the news for three days. "I wouldn’t know what the f— to do and that’s why, when I get older, I’m like, ‘Man, my mom was awesome. I was like f—, she really loves me, like d–n, like f—, that was like rough.'" Davidson recognizes the weight of his mother's love and the role it played in helping him cope with his loss.
As he reflects on the impact of 9/11, Davidson also expressed frustration with how the tragedy is sometimes treated on social media. He noted that many people who are not personally connected to the event often use it as a meme. "It’s this weird thing that happens in our country where a tragedy over time becomes a holiday," he said. "And then sometimes I know the youth on the internet uses 9/11 memes as jokes." This disconnect can be painful for those who lived through the tragedy, as Davidson pointed out, adding that it’s difficult to see people trivializing something so deeply personal.
As Davidson prepares to honor his father and the lives lost on that fateful day, he hopes to create a positive experience for himself and his daughter. He is determined to make the anniversary a day of healing rather than sorrow, stating, "So, this year is extra tough, but also extra beautiful because I get to spend the day with Scottie." By participating in the comedy benefit and sharing his father's story, Davidson aims to reclaim the narrative surrounding 9/11 and celebrate the love and memories that endure.
In a world where the passage of time often dulls the sharp edges of grief, Davidson's reflections remind us of the importance of remembrance and the bonds that tie families together. As he navigates his role as a father, he carries forward the legacy of his own dad, ensuring that Scottie knows the man who came before her.
As the anniversary approaches, Davidson's heartfelt reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of loss and the strength of familial love. He is not just honoring his father's memory; he is also forging a new path as a father himself, determined to keep the spirit of Scott Davidson alive in the heart of his daughter.