I feel for them, but they are being exploited.
Some of them (not all) are allowing themselves to be exploited.
Those who continue to court the spotlight, accept trips on Air Force One etc are in danger of becoming the new "Jersey Girls" ... i.e. Kristen Breitweiser et al, who got a little too used to getting glammed up and going on TV with Chrissie Matthews.
In contrast, Todd Beamer's wife handled her 9/11 widowhood with grace and dignity. She worked quietly to preserve her husband's memory, and steered clear of politicians, pundits and cameras.