September 11, 2001 was a day that has changed almost every aspect of the way we live. However, as the years continue to pass I can't help but notice a kind of lack of acknowledgement. Don't get me wrong, the day still remains a day the changed our nation and the patriotism that our country exerted still exists today, it just seems that each year results in less and less recognition.
To be honest, I woke up on September 11th of this year as it was an ordinary day. My routine remained the same and it wasn't until I was almost out the door when I realized my mistake. I felt terrible. 7 years ago, I sat in my 6th grade reading class naive and petrified of what would happen to me, my family, my friends, my life. How could I have just brushed it off like nothing had happened? How could I not have remembered?
The media coverage following 9/11 those seven years ago definitely made a difference on our country. The scenes of people jumping from the towers and images of the New York policemen, firemen, and volunteers working together to save lives are images that will never be forgotten. And while the images may still flash in our heads every once in a while, and while the topic of the traumatic day may be mentioned here or there it just isn't recognized the same way as it was seven years ago. As time goes on, it seems like people have almost lost all interest and sympathy and nationalistic regard for such a life-changing day. This year's anniversary seemed to entail nothing more then a mere mention of different memorial services while six years ago any opportunity to remember was jumped on by programs of all different sorts.
Time has most certainly taken a toll on the memories of the citizens of this country. Isn't it ironic that the day that held the tag-line "Never Forget" seems to have been forgotten?
Your article was very interesting. I can't say I completely agree that our country has forgotten the devastation and loss we all suffered but I can appreciate the little ways we have let it slip from our minds. Like you, I woke on September 11th this year with nothing on my mind but getting to my first class on time and prepared. It wasn't until my professor asked us for a moment of silence that I realized the date and what it signified. As disturbing as it is to find people treating 9/11/2008 as any other day, I often find comfort with the numerous monuments that have been dedicated to the lives of those lost and their families. The news coverage in remembrance of 9/11 was moving and at times very graphic but I feel the producers had a common goal in mind... to remind the people of America that we have suffered tragedy and will inevitably suffer more tragedy just like generations past but all we can do is to remember and respect the lives that were lost and to strive to one day create a world filled with understanding and acceptance of all people.
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