It has been 23 years since the tragic events of September 11, 2001, a day that forever changed America. For those who witnessed that fateful morning, the memories remain vivid, as if they occurred just yesterday. As a freshman at the University of Missouri at the time, I was still adjusting to life away from home when the world abruptly halted. It is a day etched in our collective memory, and remembering it is a promise we all share.
On this anniversary, it is evident that the community has not forgotten. Social media is filled with tributes for those lost in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. My day began with a breakfast for first responders hosted by The Salvation Army in Vicksburg, an event organized annually on this date. Despite a looming hurricane and the bustling Destination Downtown event, our community continued to honor the significance of 9/11. Well done, Vicksburg!
Yet, as the years pass, I find myself pondering two significant thoughts on this day. First, I reflect on my children. Have I conveyed the importance of remembering those who perished that day without passing on my grief and anger? I want them to understand the historical impact of that tragedy and appreciate the sacrifices made by both the victims and the responders, many of whom have since lost their lives due to related health issues. I often think about how my grandparents recounted Pearl Harbor and if they felt similarly when sharing the sorrow of that event.
The second thought that arises is whether the victims would be ashamed of our current state. Would they be disappointed in our cultural divisions and the disconnect in how we engage with each other and address national issues? Many have shared sentiments on social media this year that resonate: while we must remember 9/11, we should also reflect on our collective unity on 9/12. This sentiment carries a profound truth.
I won’t delve into the details of our coming together in the wake of the 2001 attacks; those who experienced it know the story well. What emerged from that dark time was a remarkable unity and empathy. Now, 23 years later, I believe many of us long for that sense of togetherness once more, but we often struggle to find a way back to that shared compassion. I don’t have a definitive solution, but I hope we rediscover that empathy soon, without waiting for another tragedy to jolt us from our complacency.
Today’s world is undeniably transformed since September 11, 2001, but if we remain committed to never forgetting, perhaps we can eventually return to the unified America that briefly arose in response to that day.