Today, as we are inundated with horrific images of the biggest national tragedy of our lives as Americans, we need to really put some thought into what this anniversary means to us. The world changed as we knew it on September 11, 2001. To those who can remember the times before, the pain of the change in retrospect is very tangible. Today we remember those who died innocently, even some in acts of heroism. As those who died inhabit our thoughts, we also must decide how we want to remember them. They must be seen as human beings who were lost in an unimaginable act of evil and be remembered for who they were; beautiful individuals, grandmothers, mothers, daughters, sons, fathers, all connected to others by our intricate web of humanity.
We however, cannot view the fallen as some would like us to; victims of an enemy she we must peruse through multiple conflicts and manhunts. Although we can't change what has already happened in the conflicts that we have entered, we can separate the memory of those lost on September 11th with the justification for the securing of interests by those with power. We must not let the legacy of the fallen be more death. This date should remind us of how as a nation we can band together and support our collective society as Americans
In a time of such ridiculous political turmoil, we should look back at the stories of complete strangers who acted with heroism and compassion, attempting to save lives and ease pain. Let the memory of this date remind us that we CAN join together and that the actions of one can make all the difference, especially in the eyes of those in need. We as citizens still have power and voice. Let the images of planes smashing into towers jar us loose from the sensationalist antics of our current politicians and set us free to participate in the system, with informed thought and action. Our actions in response to these images need to be in helping instead of striking, repairing instead of destroying.
Let's also not reserve this thought for the fall, and certainly not every decade. As I said before, every day since has been vastly different and our actions on a daily basis inform the legacy of 9/11. We must be proud of our nationality while still being tolerant for others. Misguided bigotry is no longterm answer to what happened, in fact it only keeps the wound open and fresh for longer. Can we afford for intolerant actions and words to inform the younger generations to inherit a bastardized view of what September 11th means for our collective conscience?
September 11th, 2001 will be remembered, but in what way it is remembered will be it's lasting legacy.
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