Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Too Young To Remember

September 11th:

Today I watched a single video about 9/11, and despite its uplifting message and depiction of heroic acts of servicemen and citizens that day, I cried throughout the entire thing. It was about the huge boat evacuation of Manhattan after the towers were hit - the largest boat evac the world has EVER seen! "BOATLIFT, An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience" is on YouTube if you wanna see it. I was very inspired by all of the random ship captains who saw the need and answered the call for help.

I was only 6 when the twin towers were attacked and I can't remember where I was or what I was doing. Other people my age can, and I wish I could, but I can't. The only thing I know is that my mom heard about it very soon after it happened (via phone call from a friend) and kept me and my brother home from elementary school until about mid-day. I'm sure I didn't understand the importance of what had just happened.

I don't remember it happening, but I've relived the hours many times through videos shared my family, friends, and teachers and every time I get choked up. I actually can't even pinpoint why I'm crying usually - sadness? anger? frustration? fear even? I think it's just a huge mix of emotions that can only really be expressed in cathartic tears.

A single thing frustrates me: hundreds lose their lives every year by bombers/terrorists/murderers residing in the United States as citizens, and yet the populace only comes together as one when we're attacked from the outside? Isn't the threat more from the inside in this day and age? I'm not at all criticizing the amazing outpouring of strength and love that came after the 9/11 tragedy, only wishing it happened more often for the other overlooked tragedies and unsung heroes.

On a different topic: I said goodbye to another dear friend today who is heading off to college soon. Being on the quarter system (and being one of the VERY LAST people to go), really sucks. :/

Keep it classy, fellow Americans.

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