Remember America

A Reflection of September 11, 2001

It’s been a long time since I wrote a blog. Life has been crazy with moving, remodeling, and many other life changes. However, today, it was important for me to take time and reflect on the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001. Even though you will see many posts today you on reflection and remembrance, I wanted to take the time honor all those affected by sharing what I will never forget about that day and what I hope Americans will always remember.

The terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 forever changed our country like few events ever have, or ever will. Even after 20 years, I will never forget watching the second plane fly into the South Tower with my 8^th grade classmates. I will never forget the feeling of terror and heartbreak watching people climb out of the rubble, carrying those who didn’t make it. I will never forget the tears and fear that day.

However, what I remember most about that day was not the shock and terror. It was the unity in the moments and days that followed. I remember being amazed at how an act of terror that was supposed to bring our country to its knees actually made American stronger. We stood united to help those in need. I was in awe of those on Flight 93 who sacrificed their lives to save others. In New York, I remember seeing ordinary citizens in business attire helping first responders pull people from the rubble. In rural North Carolina, you couldn’t drive anywhere without seeing an American flag flying, some even painted their lawns or roof with the “Red, White, and Blue.” Even middle school students put their differences aside and prayed together, helped each other, and shifted their focus on helping in some way. Everywhere you looked, there was amazing amounts of strength, compassion, patriotism, and unity. In the darkest of days, American’s looked beyond labels and stereotypes and just saw each other as American’s, united to honor our fallen and protect our freedom.

These incredible acts of compassion and strength inspired me, and at age 13, taught me what it truly meant to be an American. I understood the importance of my freedoms and how truly blessed I was to be born in the UNITED States of America. For the first time in my life, I saw what true unity looked like and why Americans must always remember to “Stand United.”

Sadly, despite all of the “never forget” posts you will see, I feel that American’s have forgotten to remember the most important part about September 11, 2001. We have forgotten the unity and the compassion for others, despite our differences. Our country seems to be the most divided it has been since the Civil War. Families are splitting over political differences. First responders who were once applauded for their service and courage, are now being called to terminate or de-fund their agencies. Finally, in a country that once valued freedom of choice, speech, and religion, individuals are being “canceled” when they step outside the “norm” or simply just make a mistake.

It is heartbreaking to see how far we have come in 20 years, but I still have a faith and love in this country. I pray that we can stand united again, despite all differences, just to show compassion and love to our fellow countrymen. Therefore my hope, as we reflect on this milestone anniversary, that all American’s will unite and recall the characteristics of this nation that allowed us to rise above the fear and become a stronger nation.

“…I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3 NIV)