I was a senior in high school in my second-period forensics class. The principal made an announcement over the intercom that a plane was flown into the World Trade Center in New York. I had never even heard of the World Trade Center before that day.
Then, like clockwork, a bomb threat was phoned into the school. (Unfortunately, this happened a lot at my high school.) So the rest of the day consisted of filing in and out of the building and waiting around in the hot sun looking for familiar faces so you could talk about what was going on in NYC.
The mom of one of my buddies was able to successfully sneak out a group of us some time around fourth period and I went to my friend Megan’s house to watch the news unfold. We cried as we watched people jumping from high-up floors and listened to stories about workers in wheelchairs left behind when stairs were the only option.
Six months later my journalism teacher asked me if I wanted to write one side of the debate column covering the increased patriotism that Sept. 11 brought. I agreed and I’m so glad I did. Now when I read back over the article it reminds me of the way I felt back then.
Here is my column from March 2002:
It’s been more than six months since the fall of two New York City buildings changed the lives of millions. To some the catastrophe is still eerie and surprising. To say that Americans must move on and simply get over the fact that less than a year ago more than 2,800 people died isn’t just a bit self-centered, it is impossible as well.
It doesn’t matter that my family’s income wasn’t directly affected by Sept. 11, and it doesn’t matter that I still have a job. I’m able to pay for my car and have the luxury of kissing my parents good night. The fact remains that there are thousands who aren’t in the same situation.
Those in the media are only trying to show Americans the true story behind the historic day. The videos, pictures and stories are informative. There is so much more going on in our government and so much more that happened that day — I am surprised to be seeing and hearing what we are. By focusing on the lives of specific victims, one of the most powerful and important tools of journalism is being utilized. As a three-year journalism student, I’ve always been taught that if you are going to show war, show one man’s war.
We all know that two planes hit the World Trade Center and that a lot of people died. But it’s the story about the father who called his family from a hijacked plane just to tell his wife and kids that he loved them or of the woman who was running late to work and saw the planes hit before she could get to her 90th floor office to show the real story and real events that happened that day.
Personally, I don’t mind having to show up to the airport an hour early if it means that I am going to have a safe flight. I understand that people get restless and begin to think that there is no point in safety checks. After all, nothing catastrophic will ever happen to me. We don’t know that it’s over. Just as we had no idea that Thursday Sept. 11 we would be attacked, we don’t know that there aren’t more terrorists still residing in the country, waiting until we let our guard down so they can strike again. Isn’t it worth it to take all precautions, whether it’s having your bags checked before going into Universal Studios or having your luggage poked through before traveling to Europe by plane?
People also disagree with the sudden wave of American pride that has swept over the nation. I don’t. While others argue that it takes a huge disaster like this one to bring people to love their country, I think it’s perfectly normal. It’s true that during first period Friday Sept. 12, there was not a single person in my VCC Spanish class who didn’t put their hand on their heart and recite our Pledge of Allegiance.
A great analogy is being a sports fan. I love the Chicago Bulls. But I don’t wear my Michael Jordan jersey to school every day. I don’t even wear it every time they play, but you better believe that on the day after they win a championship game I’ll be sporting a Bulls T-shirt or cap. Just because Americans aren’t actively involved in showing their patriotism doesn’t mean that they don’t have any.
The fact of the matter is that Sept. 11 is a day that will not go away. And I know that when I have kids, they’ll ask about that day and what I was doing the moment I first found out. That’s why it’s so hard to move on from this. It was and still remains a life-changing event, one that will affect the lives of each and every one of us, whether it be in a a direct or indirect way. When you think about time in general, it’s only been six months. That’s not such a long time. We will move on and life will go on as normal, but it’s not going to be overnight. It can’t be overnight.
For those who feel the time to move on is now, sit back and think about everything that has happened to our country within the last year. If you still get annoyed with the news broadcasts and documentaries, simply change the channel and don’t give those who still care a hard time. Times are hard enough as it is.
I still get a little chill every year when Sept. 11 rolls around.
I was a senior in high school in my second-period forensics class. Where were you?
anna•tomy 