My second September 11 story for this year. I want to try to remember the horror of that day and understand why we are fighting with Iraq or with those who support terrorism.
I wish I could put a picture of the Twin Towers to go along with this story, but I haven't figured out how do so. If anyone can help me, by explaining in SIMPLE, CONCRETE terms, it would be most appreciated! I am not that computer literate, not as much as I would like to be! :(
Have we learned anything since September 11, 2001?
Have we learned of the magnitude behind the tragedy and the horrible memories that still linger in our minds and subconscious?
Have we learned why we are fighting Iraq or those nations who support terrorism or trying to stop it in its tracks before any more innocent people are left to die "in the name of religion"?
Have we learned anything when we see the images that still sear our minds or think of those who died, either at the hands of those who attacked our nation or those who were trying to save the life of the President, who was one of the targets of the attacks--but only to be spared when that plane went down in the field in Pennsylvania?
Have we learned why we are sending our men and women to war, so we could try to defend our land and our freedom, something many people seem to take for granted?
Well, in case you don't remember, our nation was attacked by fanatical terrorists from other lands; and because of it, our way of life as we once knew it is now no more. We are more fearful now, and our nation isn't as safe and/or secure as it once was. We lost over 1,000 innocent men, women, and even CHILDREN in the terrorist attacks that hit our nation on September 11, 2001, and now twin towers no longer stand tall when one sees the skyline of New York City. Airports and other public places have become strict in their security measures; and now, whenever someone travels, or goes to a public event, such as a sporting event or a concert, chances are, they will be checked for weapons or worse. They may even have to go as far as showing their I.D. cards or licenses.
Our nation is vulnerable to further attacks, and nowadays, people aren't as trusting, and people are upset. Who wouldn't be when one thinks of what happened nearly 2 years ago on that terrible Tuesday? The images that millions around the world saw still linger in many people's minds; and those who lost loved ones or friends in the attacks are only reminded of what they lost; and they have to live with painful memories all over again, especially now, with the two-year anniversary of the attacks approaching.
I lost a friend in the attacks (she was a friend of a friend), and the last time I saw her alive was when my other friend got married to her husband. She came to the wedding, which was held at our house. She worked at the World Trade Center, and she died when the plane hit (but we didn't know that until later; at first, we thought she died when the building fell; but she died before, when the first plane hit). I also know a lady who lost 11 of her co-workers in the terror attacks, and she is having a hard time herself. She is more nervous nowadays, and when maman talked to her last night, she was crying. I guess she was thinking of September 11.
Well, if anything, I learned that America isn't as safe as we once thought it was (the last time America had been attacked by another nation was on December 7, 1941, when Japan hit Pearl Harbor in Hawai'i, which caused us to go to war during World War II), and there are many nations who hate us because we are so successful and they are not; and they are very jealous. I also learned that people tend to come together during times of great sorrow, and that there were many heroes that day who sacrificed their lives to save the lives of others (firefighters, police, emt/paramedics, etc.). Not all people are bad, and if you look hard enough or know where to look for them, you'll find many good people in this world.
I will never forget September 11, 2001, and on that day I will be praying and probably singing at the memorial service our city is planning. I have to remember those who died, and I can't ever forget because that was a very sad day, and it is one I would love to forget--but CANNOT. Too many good people died that day, and as I said, I lost a friend, and I want to remember that day because of HER. So it is because of Stephanie Green that I choose to remember September 11, 2001, and hope and pray to God that nothing of this magnitude EVER happens again here in America!
*GOD BLESS AMERICA AGAIN!*
Long may we stand united against terrorism!
~Written by Ronee' Le-Anne Reaux (aged 10 1/2), August 30, 2003.~
At times, I think we have learned, at others it seems we are back a square one, not even fazed. I know that I learned how quickly how one's safty can be ripped away.
Have we learned anything since September 11, 2001?
