9/11, 25 Years On

It was 25 years ago today that terrorists perpetrated the worst attack on American soil. Its been 25 years and there is a whole generation that will only ever hear stories of that day, memories being impossible for those born afterwards. 25 years, and in some ways, it seems like we have gone backwards. I remember that day vividly still, I was at St. Bonaventure University getting ready to go to class when the news came on that there was an attack. Disbelief, brief worry about my dad who had been traveling to New York City for work, then came the feigned bravery, the immediate desire to go right to the city, some 7 hours away and help out as we could. We never did go down, thinking better of it and making the more mature decision at the time. But quickly after that initial flood of emotions came solidarity, community, steadfastness, patriotism, and all the good that came out of that day. For the first time in a long time, Americans were helping each other out more, flying our flags and vowing to stand by each other. Yes, there was some negativity and prejudice, but I remember the positives more, they resonate more with me and still stick with me as the things that should be remembered that came out of the deaths of so many Americans. Where has that sense of community gone, that patriotism that brought us together, not the kind that drives us apart? Did we forget something?

9/11 is a day that I’ll never forget. But that doesn’t mean I dwell on it, hold grudges, harbor resentment or anger at those that committed those acts. Granted, most are dead, but in the tumultuous aftermath, when my emotions started with vengeance and a desire to make things even, I began to learn more, to research more, and to come to a greater understanding of what motivated them. I don’t condone what they did in any way. Their violence was and is reprehensible, but it is possible to understand without condoning actions. And so I think that my memory of the good things that came out of 9/11 is partly due to the fact that I can look at the whole thing more objectively. It would be much harder if I lost someone close in the attack I’m sure, but even then, I would like to think I’d have the wherewithal to keep a similar attitude and not just seek vengeance because that’s what everyone else wants.

Today, as we look back after a quarter century has passed since the twin towers fell in New York City, let us try to rekindle those sentiments we had following the attacks, the ones that brought us together, that defined a common ground, the ones that created a sense of community amongst strangers. That’s what we should be remembering more than anything else. We need to bring ourselves back to those days, not the fear and anger, but the tenacity to live and love and make the world a better place. There will always be those that still harbor vengeance and hate. I will not be one of them, especially now when we could all do with a little more community in our lives, a stronger sense of purpose, and a desire to see the best come forth in everyone.