Standing United In The Aftermath Of 9/11

In the face of devastation, loss, terrorism and tragedy, Americans forgot their differences and stood united.

As we approach the 10-year anniversary of Osama Bin Laden’s orchestrated terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers and Pentagon, we mourn the victims, celebrate the heroes who came to their aid and reflect on how similar we are as human beings.

It’s not as if our differences cease to exist, but they certainly seem diminished when catastrophe strikes. The divisions between man and woman — black and white — rich and poor — disappear; September 11th is a time when we recognize our collective humanity.

But even after a decade, the wound feels raw. I can still hear the echos of former President Bush’s address on that bloody Tuesday: “Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature, and we responded with the best of America, with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.”

These collaborative efforts show us that America’s will to survive, to pick up the pieces and overcome is much more powerful than hatred.

It may be a gloomy anniversary, but together we should continue to search for the light in the dark, prepare men and women to deal with future tragedies and, above all, remember.

Contact the author here: tinybart@morningquickie.com