nmah5675.xml

nmah5675.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2003-09-09

I gasped for words as I struggled for understanding when the news hit me like a bolt of lightning, while sitting in Mrs. Kennedys second period Spanish class. She said, Its an attack, were under attack by someone. Deep inside, part of me believed her and part of me hoped she was mistaken. I felt a strange confusion that was as unsuspected as the attacks. I felt for the ones who had to experience the attack within the towers, and I knelt for the families of those martyrs of freedom. The threat was intended to blow a hole in the side of the United States two main ships, the economy and the military. However, the terrorists got more than they bargained for. Instead, they challenged the very way of life of every American citizen and in so doing brought the wrath of the world onto their shoulders. We are a country of many cultures, a mixing pot, and when one terrorist sect tries to attack a mixing pot, it usually turns over and scorches every last perpetrator. The threat, to me, was aimed at more than two pillars of American society. It was aimed to embarrass and exploit the pride of every American citizen. After the attack, pride flooded the streets like never before. All over our great land, flags went up everywhere, and people who had never prayed before began to look to the heavens for guidance. It became obvious at that point that to Americans, pride was more of an emotion than an action. The unity of our citizens showed our leaders that we wanted and needed closure and it was up to them to get it.
As we discovered who tried to embarrass America, it became obvious to me that this was about jealousy. We made the Al Quaida jealous of our confidence in our leaders and the attitude of our free peoples. As we continued to thrive after their first thwarted attempts, it became clear they would need something a bit more drastic. As they planned the attack, Im sure they never imagined the reactions of the people to be postive. Instead of being scared and reactive, the people on that shadowed day were brave and proactive. They took over one plane and possibly saved the White House. I was in a state of awe at the ignorance of the geniuses that masterminded this attack. Through any study at all, these men would have known that America is not based on money or power, it is based on spirit and pride. Money and power do play a role on occasion, but our cornerstone is the strength and the hope of a better future for the people of this country. Our position in this world was first built on the intangible things, not the materialistic. It is for this reason that we are so rich and powerful.

The sight of that plane crashing into the buildings taught me many things I will never forget. From the people who held prayer services in Los Angeles, to the fire fighters who climbed the stairs while others were hurdling down them. I knew that this country had something that the terrorists obviously lacked, a heart. A heart that beat in adversity, and ached for the oppressed. This heart is one that has the courage it takes to rebuild and continue what has long been, and will be, a success.

On September 11, more than envy and rage was shown by the terrorists, pride and courage was shown by Americans. This must never be forgot.

Yes, my feelings of the American flag have changed some. It seems that before, the flag was only seen in school and over car dealerships. Now the flag is the citizens way of retalliating, it is not only a symbol of our country, it is a symbol of who we are. Interconnected, prideful, determined people intent on keeping our values and ideals intact, no matter who thinks otherwise.