Paying Respect to One of America’s Most Harrowing Days
Thirteen years ago our country experienced one of the greatest tragedies in our history. Since that infamous September day, we as a nation gather together in solemnity to remember the lives of the people lost and the brave men and women who responded to that tragedy without a moment’s hesitation. Most people alive today can remember with complete clarity where they were on the morning of September 11, 2001. Not only was that day one of the most harrowing and painful moments that our nation has gone through, but it was also one of the most important events in terms of defining who we are as Americans.
Coming Together As a Nation
Surrounding the tragedy of 9/11, a nationwide movement of unity and understanding took hold that was unlike anything that we have ever seen. People of varying races, political ties, and religious beliefs all came together as a united group of Americans to support the families of those lost in the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and the families of the first responders who worked tirelessly to clean up the destruction and get as many people to safety as was possible. Now, during a time when much of our country is divided over political and religious beliefs, it is important that we remember that unity. Calling upon the feelings that surrounded us during the difficult post 9/11 time, can remind us that through all of our petty differences, we are still one group of Americans who can come together to support a common goal.
Visiting Memorials
Recently, it has become easier than ever to remember those feelings and pay reverence to the tragic events of September 11th. After years of designing, planning, and endless deliberation, New York’s Freedom Tower finally stands completed on the ground where the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers once proudly stood. Now, instead of seeing an empty hole marking Ground Zero, you can drive through the streets of New York and look upon the beautiful tower with pride and respect. Architects Daniel Libeskind and David Childs have created a stunning work of contemporary architecture fit to join the legendary New York Skyline. The building finally opened its doors in 2014.
In addition to the Freedom Tower, the events of September 11th are also now commemorated through the 9/11 museum. Now that over a decade has passed since this important day in our nation’s history, many of the young people in America were not alive at the time or were simply too young to remember the morning of September 11, 2001. It is important that we educate our children on these important events in history. With the opening of the 9/11 museum, people of all ages can now come to see exhibits and collections that shine a light on what it was like to live through that tragic day. Not only does the museum highlight the events of the day itself, but it also dedicates itself to illustrating the after effects of 9/11 on our economy, politics, and culture as a whole. There is no denying that 9/11 has irrevocably changed the course of American history. The 9/11 museum can help you and your children understand how that change occurred.
A recent tragedy such as 9/11 still touches the hearts of our fellow citizens to this very day. Many families are still grieving the loss of their loved ones. Many families of first responders are also still feeling the after effects of being exposed to toxic chemicals and fumes on the site of ground zero. Every year when this anniversary arrives, we as Americans need to keep these people in our thoughts. The best way for you to pay your respects is to find out how you can help people still struggling with the after effects of 9/11. Donating to charities founded to help pay the medical bills of first responders, supporting your local firemen and policemen, and simply lying a flower on the site of the 9/11 memorial can show that you are still thinking about the people who were touched by that horrible day.
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