It was the worst terrorist attack in history and killed over 3000 innocent Americans who were doing nothing more than working in their offices or riding a plane. It shattered the American psyche of invulnerability, shocked the American people, and set into motion some of the most politically charged years in decades. Without question, it unequivocally altered America forever.
That was eight years ago and today I find myself shocked at the way the American people are reacting to this solemn anniversary.
Taking a quick look at the blogosphere and even some sources in the mainstream media, there seems to be an interesting trend going on today: complaints against Google for not honoring the anniversary of 9/11 with a special logo and even many people threatening to boycott Google if they don’t put up a special logo.
Why does this shock me? Much like the greeting card, flower, candy, and phone companies have transformed holidays like Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day into consumerist nonsense, these bloggers and forum posters are transforming the anniversary of 9/11 into a fleeting symbol that only surfaces one day each year and actually divides our country.
It’s been eight years since the 9/11 attacks. Eight years that we should have been able to come together and unite as a country and a people. Eight years that we should have been able to examine our values and look at our roots to realize that we truly are one people and one great country.
If things are still so dicey in this country that we call people and corporations ‘un-patriotic’ or ‘un-American’ and even tell them to ‘get out of this country’ because they don’t go out of their way to recognize or memorialize 9/11, then we haven’t made any real progress. In fact, I question whether the terrorists have actually won - it seems they’ve created yet another division in this country and caused us to fight over something that should never have been an issue.
If we truly want to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks, we would live our lives to the fullest every day and take full advantage of our freedoms as American citizens. Vote in every election you’re eligible. Support our troops regardless of your view on the war. Engage in civil debate on the issues that matter to you. Write your representatives and let them know what you think. Read the Constitution and Declaration of Independence and use them as a guiding principle in your life. Practice acceptance and tolerance. Be willing to listen to others just as they’re willing to listen to you and always disagree respectfully. And finally, remember that everyone in this country has the same basic rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as everyone else and that no lawmaker or voter has the right to take that away.
Memorials and remembrances are fine ways to keep memories alive and are amazing coping methods for those who need a little something more. There is nothing wrong with taking a moment of silence or lighting a candle in your window, attending a public vigil or simply reflecting quietly at a memorial. All are a sign of a healthy people that remember tragedy but don’t allow it to control their lives. They are a truly American way to remember such a terrible day.
But don’t fall into the trap. Don’t attack people or companies that don’t take part in or offer their own memorials or recognition. Don’t let 9/11 become something you honor one day a year and forget the other 364. And perhaps most importantly of all, don’t let such a terrible event come between you and your friends, family, and neighbors: united we stand, divided we fall.
God bless America and may we never forget.
-Andy
