In Remembrance

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“Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew.“  - President George W. Bush, December 11, 2001 13 years ago today, our lives and identities as Americans were forever changed. As a nation, we have rebuilt and prevailed but only due to the persistence, dedication and diligence of those self-sacrifcers that President Bush mentioned above. The men and women who gave their lives to save innocent victims, the civil servants who, even still, work countless hours to ensure security in all facets of our lives, the troops who have fought long and hard for our safety, the swarms of volunteers that put their own safety at risk to aide their neighbors; these people define heroism. This day shattered our sense of security but re-birthed our identities. What do I mean by that? Safety and security has taken center-stage in the post 9/11 era; this change comes coupled with a pervasive anxiety that, at one point, we have all felt. Whether it be on a plane, walking the streets of crowded city, or even watching the media blast terrorizing sights; this catastrophe has permanently scarred us with the constant chill of fear. Although, not a year has gone by where this day hasn't brought a tear to my eye and chill to my core, strangely, I feel that 9/11 has warranted me with a revived identity which brings a sense of comfort during these said times of fear and unease. Witnessing the selflessness of this nation as the reels of 9/11 footage roll, provides me with a restored faith in humanity. Each year when I reflect on this day, I find myself more comfortable, more appreciative and more content. Hopeful. Today, I am remembering September 11, 2001 as more than just a day of terror and fear, I am remembering a day of heroism, courage and insurmountable strength. Today, I remember and pray for the innocent lives taken by sickness and evil and those who lost everything in an attempt to save a stranger.

“Now, we have inscribed a new memory alongside those others. It’s a memory of tragedy and shock, of loss and mourning. But not only of loss and mourning. It’s also a memory of bravery and self-sacrifice, and the love that lays down its life for a friend–even a friend whose name it never knew.“ 
- President George W. Bush, December 11, 2001

13 years ago today, our lives and identities as Americans were forever changed. As a nation, we have rebuilt and prevailed but only due to the persistence, dedication and diligence of those self-sacrifcers that President Bush mentioned above. The men and women who gave their lives to save innocent victims, the civil servants who, even still, work countless hours to ensure security in all facets of our lives, the troops who have fought long and hard for our safety, the swarms of volunteers that put their own safety at risk to aide their neighbors; these people define heroism.

This day shattered our sense of security but re-birthed our identities. What do I mean by that? Safety and security has taken center-stage in the post 9/11 era; this change comes coupled with a pervasive anxiety that, at one point, we have all felt. Whether it be on a plane, walking the streets of crowded city, or even watching the media blast terrorizing sights; this catastrophe has permanently scarred us with the constant chill of fear.

Although, not a year has gone by where this day hasn't brought a tear to my eye and chill to my core, strangely, I feel that 9/11 has warranted me with a revived identity which brings a sense of comfort during these said times of fear and unease.

Witnessing the selflessness of this nation as the reels of 9/11 footage roll, provides me with a restored faith in humanity. Each year when I reflect on this day, I find myself more comfortable, more appreciative and more content. Hopeful.

Today, I am remembering September 11, 2001 as more than just a day of terror and fear, I am remembering a day of heroism, courage and insurmountable strength. Today, I remember and pray for the innocent lives taken by sickness and evil and those who lost everything in an attempt to save a stranger.