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2002-05-08

?A Date That Will Live In Infamy?

September 11, 2001 is my generation?s Pearl Harbor. This heinous crime has spawned an awakening in today?s youth. Now we feel a strong sense of patriotism, a love of life, and new religious affiliations. Pre-911, God was hardly mentioned or spoken of. However after the attacks, we changed to say, ?God bless America?, and we say more prayers. The nation as a whole sees life as a more precious gift than ever before. We now see it like this because thousands of lives were lost in the blink of an eye. The whole aspect of family and a sense to loved and needed is now tugging at hearts. Patriotism burns hotter in our hearts and minds than in the previous years. Some of our patriotic feelings were that of hatred toward those who would harm our families, our children, or us. Some of us are inspired to help in the healing process, while others take up arms to defend our rights. No matter which type of patriotism is displayed, it all comes down the simple fact that we?re looking evil in the eye and saying, ? you cannot win?. Evil, you come as wars, terrorist attacks, threats, plagues, and famine, but you?ve never beaten the American people and never will!
As for myself on that horrible day, I was out raged, sad, inspired, and felt my own sense of adulthood and patriotism. When I saw the first tower on fire, I was angry that terrorists had the nerve to pull a stunt like that in the middle of a busy city, on a busy day, hurting my fellow Americans who are just trying to provide for their families. I felt like picking up a gun and going to war. I still feel this way. If the marines and my country need me to fight, I?m ready physically and mentally.
My inspiration came from the realization that life can be taken from you in a split second. I now try to use my time more wisely, and spend as much of what little time is left with the ones that I love. My family and my need to feel loved are most important. I also was inspired to make the most of my life. If I could pin point one thing that inspired to do this is to not let those brave soldiers, fighting and dying for my right to live, down. I owe it to them to be the best person I can be. I cannot let them down, because if I do then their giving of their lives was all for nothing.
Adulthood for some comes at a steep price. Due to the events of 9-11, I now feel a sense of responsibility to myself, those fighting for my rights and those who gave their service and lives so that I might enjoy freedom. Reality has fully hit me. I no longer live under the protective wings of innocence nor am I under the wings of my parents. I no longer have my own little perfect world; instead I now live in reality. This forces me to take a stand, pick sides, and fight for what I believe is right. The doorway to adulthood was opened on September 11th and I had no choice but to go through.
I always thought of America as just a place where I reside. Now all that has changed. Now I feel a need to defender her, help her, respect her, and uphold the ideals and principles for which she stands. The feeling of patriotism is very difficult to describe. It is a fiery passion that burns in my heart. You just know it when you feel it, and it never goes away.
September 11th has affected all Americans in one way or another. Those hundreds of people, who died, didn?t die in vain. Instead they died as heroes lost in the war of good verses evil. Their deaths unite us all, and remind us that we must constantly fight for what is right, good, and just. It reminds us that evil can hurt and catch us off guard, but as long as we never give up evil can?t win. GOD BLESS AMERICA!