Last updated on September 11, 2020
Remember, let’s be polite; let’s be respectful, but most of all, let’s be outspoken.
I wasn’t alive during 9/11. I was born two years later, so I never experienced the sense of helplessness felt as the twin towers collapsed. The world watched in complete mortification as thousands of Americans perished.
Hundreds suffocated because of the lack of oxygen while others were burnt to death. Amidst the confusion and chaos, New York’s finest arrived at the scene to aid the victims. Because of their honor, dignity, and courage exemplified that day, they too died with their American brethren. Almost 3000 people were killed at the behest of terrorism.
Today, September 11, 2019, marks the 18th anniversary of 9/11. Although an entire generation was born and raised since then, we still use the term “Never Forget.”
When the aftermath ceased, President George W. Bush said a speech on the foundation of the destruction with a loudspeaker and later, in his State of the Union.
According to the White House Archives, he said”Those who feel like they can intimidate our fellow citizens to take out their anger don’t represent the best of America, they represent the worst of humankind, and they should be ashamed of that kind of behavior. This is a great country. It’s a great country because we share the same values of respect and dignity and human worth.”
Today, my teacher stated that three weeks after 9/11, everyone displayed American flags on everything. There were small flags on the hoods of cars, on the gates of gardens, and on the sides of white mailboxes. They perched flags in school yards and inside classrooms. Because we collectively suffered, we unified under one idea: America.
Due to a sense of patriotism, we realized that this nation is supposed to be a symbol of fortification and security. The people of 18 years ago realized that this abhorrent act of terrorism violated that symbol and the only way to prevent future attacks was to come together.
America experienced a surge of bipartisanship and agreement for a brief period of time afterward. We passed legislation like the Patriot Act almost unanimously.
Across the nation, there was a moment of silence. In cities like New York, people bowed their heads in solace as a memorial for the fallen was built. Relatives cried and mourned for the loss of their beloved.
Ben Shapiro tweeted today, “Never forget 9/11. Never forget that so long as America remains true to herself, America’s enemies are enemies of freedom. Never forget that America is worth defending.” The term “Never Forget” is chanted every year to commemorate the law enforcement’s upmost sacrifice when they sprinted in the face of danger.
We repeat “Never Forget” to formulate a sense of vigilance in politics and culture. We shout “Never Forget” to remember that America will never condone evil and immorality. Whether it takes 18 years, 180 years, or 1800 years; we will never forget what happened on September 11, 2001.
Never Forget.
Remember, let’s be polite; let’s be respectful, but most of all, let’s be outspoken.
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