We are called the University of Texas so it isn’t too rare to see a Texas flag somewhere around campus. I hardly ever find myself walking in the main mall but today I was, and the flag caught my eye. Texas is probably one of the few states where citizens are glad to say where they are from. It isn’t often that someone says they are from Nevada and proud. However, Texans happily say “I’m from Texas and proud” and maybe even add the old “Everything’s bigger in Texas” slogan afterward.
As I passed the flag I had been thinking about our country and how 9/11 was only a few days away. It doesn’t even seem like ten years have passed since the tragedy. I was only in the fourth grade and how times have changed since then. Between the political, economic, and social issues going on in our world, today patriotism isn’t exactly how it used to be. With so much going on it is easy to critique what is wrong with our state and our country, but I feel like during this ten year anniversary of September 11th we should reflect and remember the great loss that occurred.
As Texans we should not only be proud of our state, but our country as well. Sunday marks the day for Americans all over the world to look back on a moment of sadness, but look forward to the future with bright eyes. There are always going to be issues in today’s world, but for this one day it would be great to just set aside those problems. When I see the Texas flag I feel blessed to be from a great state and a great country.