From this date forward, we would never be the same. On September 11, 2001, the world changed forever. Many of us can recall exactly what we were doing that day and down to the minute of the attacks. I was headed to get breakfast with my aunt when it came on the radio that a plan had hit a building in NYC. I was living in Atlanta at the time. I’d had surgery the day before and she was heading back to Charleston after making sure I was ok to be on my own and grabbing me some food.
The terrorist attacks of that day were a horrific tragedy that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people and left a lasting scar on our hearts and minds. Twenty-two years later, we still feel the impact of 9/11. It is a day that we remember the victims, their families, and the heroes who risked their lives to save others. It is also a day that we reflect on the values that unite us and the strength of our nation.
9/11 was a wake-up call to us and to the world about the dangers of terrorism and the importance of unity. It also showed us the incredible power of the human spirit to overcome even the most difficult challenges. In the years since 9/11, we have made great strides in combating terrorism and protecting our homeland. We have also learned the importance of working together to build a more peaceful and just world. Or have we?
But the impact of 9/11 is still felt today in many ways. For many people, the trauma of that day still lingers. They continue to suffer from physical and emotional wounds, as well as the loss of loved ones.
9/11 also had a profound impact on our society. It led to increased security measures at airports and other public places. It also changed the way we think about the world and our place in it. In the wake of 9/11, we must never forget the victims and the lessons we learned. We must also continue to work together to build a more peaceful and just world.
Reflecting this year, here are some specific ways I think 9/11 still impacts our lives today:
- Increased security measures: In the years since 9/11, there has been a significant increase in security measures at airports, borders, and other public places.
- Increased awareness of terrorism: 9/11 raised awareness of the dangers of terrorism around the world. It sure opened my eyes.
- Increased patriotism: 9/11 also led to a renewed sense of patriotism in the United States. This was evident in the outpouring of support for the victims and their families, as well as in the increased number of people who joined the military. I wish we could all feel that sense of unity as we did on 9-12-2001.
- Increased focus on national security: 9/11 led to a shift in priorities for the United States government. I’m sadly not convinced those priorities are the same today.
- Increased Islamophobia: Unfortunately, 9/11 also led to an increase in Islamophobia in the United States and other countries. We can’t allow hatred and bigotry to continue in any race or religion.
It is important to remember that 9/11 was a tragedy that impacted us all. We must continue to work together to build a more peaceful and just world, where all people are treated with respect and dignity. Sorry to get personal, but this year I felt it differently than in the past. #unitedwestand
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.
