9/11 Tenth Anniversary
Now that I’m older, though, I realize that what I saw as a kid was one of the most tragic things to ever happen to our country. It makes me realize that our country is a lot more vulnerable than I thought. It also struck a little bit of fear in me, because it made me realize that there are countries and people out there that want to destroy the United States and its citizens. I think that more than anything, the 9/11 attack opened my eyes to what the world really is and what it has really become.
I think 9/11 has a much greater impact on me now since I am able to understand the consequences of that day and since I am now personally invested in the outcome of the war and our actions overseas with my boyfriend an enlisted member of our United States Army. I worry a lot about the decisions Obama makes about the war and our troops. I have found myself sitting, eyes glued to the TV, watching several presidential addresses when my friends just go about their business unaware.
I (like a lot of other American people) am just ready for this war to be over and for everyone to come home. September 11th is a day to remind us of our strength as a country, the lives that have been lost in the towers and overseas, and what we can do to bring our men home.
I do remember there was a sad silence everywhere I went. The teachers, my parents, people on the street, everyone was hurt. I understand now that I was experiencing a whole nation in mourning, and when I think about what happened it breaks my heart. It sends chills down my spine that I experienced perhaps the darkest moment so far in 21st century America. The violent murder of so many people and the tragedy resulting for family, friends, and society is a weight that I and everyone else will have to carry for generations to come.
Like the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and Pearl Harbor for the generations before, it completely changed the way we think about the world, our position in it, and our safety. There are a lot of angry people out there that have different views on morality and the value of life. I remember watching innocent people jump to their death from the roof of the World Trade Center. I remember hearing heart wrenching cell phone conversations from people who knew they were about to die who wanted to talk to their families one more time. I remember CNN videos of people celebrating in the Middle East.
I hope you kids will somehow remember these images as well. If not, we are doomed to repeat them.