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Sept 11, 2002 Here it is, September 11, 2002 one year after the vicious and unprovoked attack on our great nation. Has it really been that long? Doesn’t it seem like just yesterday we were all glued to the television watching all the horror? There are so many thoughts and feelings that have run through my mind since then. We need to take time to reflect back on this past year and evaluate things. First, there was frightening shock that it had happened. Once the numbness started to wear even an iota, the pure anger and hatred at those responsible took over. My mind raged with anger over the fact that we had done nothing to provoke the attack. Angry because they had hurt people that had done nothing to them and were just innocently going about their daily task. I hated them not only because of the cruelty and senselessness of their act but because they had the nerve to call it a holy war. I have an open mind, but it seems to me that religion has to do with beliefs more on the peaceful side. The attack didn’t just shock all and make many very angry, but it shredded the one thing that no human living on earth had ever seen. The thought of it never entered our minds. The fact that someone could come into our nation and deliver such an astounding blow was unthinkable. Who would dare take on our mighty country on our own turf? Terrorists suddenly made what we thought was invincible not only reality physically, but shattered that mental image of never having a war here. As many other citizens of our country, I find myself thoroughly amazed at how some nations live with these kinds of situations every day. Yes there are many things wrong with our government and morals have dipped over the years, but this only made me feel even more grateful that I don’t live anywhere near where this has become a common thing. I find myself cringing over the Palestinians and Israelis who are the victims of a power struggle. Although I wish it had never happened, I do see some silver lining around the black billowing smoke that poured on New York like the fog rolling into San Francisco. I believe that many of us have strengthened family bonds, started talking with our neighbors again, and began to realize just how precious life is. The bombing proved to us that anyone is vulnerable, and that our life could be snuffed out like a candle in an instant. We also proved that we, as citizens, could come together and forget petty things, because after all, we are still the country with the most freedoms. They may have stunned and shaken us by there surprise attack, but instead of hurting us, they have made us all band together to take on this greater cause. As the Japanese did when they bombed Pearl Harbor, all these terrorists have done is to wake a sleeping giant. American pride has been reborn, as though they poured gasoline on a dying ember. I don’t know what lies ahead and most things will never be taken for granted anymore. Looking out of buildings like the Sears Tower, Empire State Building, John Hancock Building, and other skyscrapers now comes with a bit of hesitation. Making those flight plans takes just a little more thought than it used to. Yes, it changed our lives forever, but we need to take this horrific tragedy and turn it into a positive. Think of what it has changed in your life that made you stronger or better and be thankful that you are still here and may God keep a look out for those who lost loved ones. Say a special prayer for them before you turn out that light tonight. ------------ Willis Kirk Jr. is a 37 year old who is currently back in a 2 year college on his way to a degree. Email Willis: tekky2b@yahoo.com Comment on this column in the forum. ------------ |
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