Today is the 20th Anniversary of 9/11 -- a disaster we'll never forget. Thousands of people lost their lives. A symbol was destroyed. Practically everyone in this nation felt as if they had lost something. It was one of our worst times.
But it also brought out the best of us. For a brief period of time, people banded together.
Many first responders gave immediate assistance. Their goal -- to save as many lives as they could. For some, it wasn't even their shift. It was all hands on deck. Over the next few days, many worked many hours in the hopes of finding more survivors. And yet many of these responders were in the towers as they fell -- giving the ultimate sacrifice for saving lives.
A few days later, President Bush gave a speech and for the only time in my entire life, I saw both sides of the aisle cheering and clapping in unison. There were no more Democrats or Republicans -- only Americans. Bush's approval rating shot up to 90%. We were united, and we all supported what came next -- an action to destroy the power that attacked us.
And we all did our parts, whether it was comforting those who had lost loved ones, or donating money, or supporting first responders across the nation. We even agreed to give up some of our freedoms through the Patriot Act -- just a few freedoms -- for the sake of security to make sure this never happened again. Though we were vulnerable in the attack, we came out stronger and united with the American Spirit we all possess, and we rebuilt and vowed never to forget.
In fact, these days, you can't separate the words "never forget" from the 9/11 attack. If you don't believe me, just do a Google search -- it'll come up 90% 9/11. It is forever ingrained into our everyday life.
But sometimes I wonder if these are just meaningless words that we keep repeating ... as if we have indeed forgotten. I look around and I see a nation divided. Both sides hate the other immensely, and I see no remedy. Is it possible to have that same unity again -- unified with the same American Spirit? Do we need another disaster to bring us together?
Sometimes I believe that perhaps even a disaster wouldn't accomplish this. Imagine -- a disaster that shakes our whole nation -- killing thousands of people, bringing everything to a halt -- causing the action of many first responders across the nation to try and save lives, dealing directly with the death and struggles every day, working countless hours and even other people's shifts.
If such a disaster were to happen, would we truly remember and unite again? Would we stop being Democrats and Republicans, and just be Americans? Would we again band together to help each other get through this disaster? Would we again revere the frontline responders, or would we instead ignore them while they cried into their pillows every night? Would our leaders lead us with consistency and full information or would they choose to take every opportunity to demonstrate how terribly the other side is doing for political gain? Would we again do our parts -- whatever it takes to get through it and come out stronger -- or would we choose to do nothing except mock those who die and their loved ones? Would we rebuild, or would we continue to tear apart?
Have we already truly forgotten? Or is it yet not too late?
