If you ask anyone what they were doing, where they were, or what they remember about September 11, 2001, they could tell you all the minute details leading up to one of the most tragic events in history.
I remember walking from the bus stop and having my older sister explain to me what had happened. The panic in people’s voices, the news on the static-ridden radio and the haunting live images of the magnificent World Trade Center up in flames are all details that I will remember for the rest of my life… even if I didn’t completely understand them until I was a bit older.
It was a crisp, not so ordinary fall day with a blue sky that stretched for miles and a nip in the air. It’s hard for me to imagine that I was in 4th grade, naive about the world, not even aware of what is now common vocabulary in 2011: terrorist, hijack, Osama Bin Laden, the list goes on and on.
Growing up in a small town on Long Island, I have realized since 9/11 that New Yorkers are one of the most resilient and united group of people on earth. For my family, a life was taken that day. My cousin’s husband’s brother was a dedicated and noble member of the NYPD and went in to help evacuate the World Trade Center. He took videos of the scene to contribute to academy training. For his courage and heroic efforts, he was awarded the Medal of Honor in December of 2001.
Also, like many of the New Yorkers that volunteered their time at Ground Zero directly after the attack, one of my family’s closest friends and native New Yorker developed many health problems, including breast cancer. There is not enough evidence to link cancer as a direct effect from the dust clouds that formed as ground zero leveled. However, many patients and health officials remain skeptical. It’s hard to imagine that a single event after your bus ride to school and beginning of your daily routine can affect a family, a city, and more importantly, a nation. You start to realize how blessed you are to live out each and every day.
The “Tribute in Light” Memorial at Ground Zero in New York
Our generation is a unique group. We have grown up in a world where war is a constant and loss has been extravagant. We have grown up and acquired political views as the aftermath of September 11th unraveled. Consequently, our generation has grown up in a world where patriotism and politics rule. Ten years later, New York stands united and proud to honor the lives of those lost and their families. The hurt is not forgotten and the memories are still vivid. The next step for young America is to take all of these scarred memories, tribute them, respect them, and strive to move forward in the world, giving peace a chance, instead of embracing conflict.
Photo Sources:
http://www.awesomestories.com/assets/world-trade-center-twin-towers
http://www.acclaimimages.com/_gallery/_image_pages/0420-0906-0909-0951.html