Twenty years, and we still recall the tragic events to the smallest detail, just like it was yesterday. Twenty years and my Jr. High civics class wasn’t even a thought, let alone born, at that time. Twenty years, and as of August 31, we weep. We expected to triumph, to make the world a better, safer place. And for twenty years, we did. But for now, it seems like the hits just keep on coming. Only now, they may be coming to our shores once again.
We commemorate our lost, watch the reruns, listen to the commentators, relive the day, and learn things about 9/11 that we didn’t know. But there’s a difference this year. So much sadness, old wounds re-opened. We want to do something so that their sacrifice is not in vain.
The first thing we can do is to remember. The second thing is to help our younger generations who don’t have our memories, learn who did this to America and why. The Young Americas Foundation says that knowing the answer to these questions helps our youth to understand the gravity of 9/11. I think it helps them understand the brevity of life and that life is sacred. The day isn’t just about some planes flying into buildings. It’s not about “some people did something.” Providing for the common defense is our responsibility. We can’t take for granted that someone else will do it. After all, not everyone places a high priority on American’s lives.
A thought crossed my mind to help me remember 9/11 in a fresh way. I wanted to see pictures and read the stories of the different 9/11 memorials around the nation. Monuments DO keep memories alive for a reason- not to hurt future generations, but to teach the lessons of history. In some way, I believe monuments help those who suffered the most to heal.
I came across a beautiful pictorial about seven different 9/11 monuments to visit. The pictures are beautiful, and the explanations tell you a story that maybe you haven’t heard. I highly recommend it. Here’s the link:
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/seven-911-memorials-to-visit-across-united-states-180978483/
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
