Stranded at the very top, I carefully peek over the railing at my friends many feet below me. Their tiny arms wave vigorously at my scared soul. Bravely, I motion back to them that I am alright, being extremely careful not to rock my seat. Finally, after minutes which seem like hours pass, the aged ferris wheel finally jerks forward. The small movement embeds a terrible feeling in my stomach-- a feeling of terror and insecurity. As my feet dangle in the open sky, I am reminded that the safeness I once knew has been taken away. All too familiar was this feeling on September 11, 2001.
Each person’s
life in the United States was forever changed on the second Tuesday in
September. Bin Laden ordered his
men onto American soil with the intentions to kill unsuspecting people. Along with the destruction of many buildings and thousands of
innocent lives came the end of our sense of safety. No longer are Americans able to sit back and assume that
tragedies cannot happen on our land because it can, and it did.
Terrorism is a great threat in today’s world and is on the front of
everyone’s minds. It is as though
we are on a constant ferris wheel and we just can’t get off.
Many quotes from the past and present can be related to the horrible
terrorist attacks that forever changed the United States on September 11, 2001.
President of the United Church of Christ Ben Herbster once said, “The greatest waste in the world is the difference between what we are and what we could become.” From this excerpt he reveals to us that a great contrast is evident between the reality of what mankind could become and the hope of where we actually stand today. After the terrorist attacks toward The United States on September 11, 2001, the nation as a whole came together to help the lives that were shaken. Every ounce of energy, every piece of our hearts and souls were united to push the nation back on track. Yet, we could have crumbled, given up hope, and let the enemies take control of our vulnerable country. In the midst of our complete state of shock and bewilderment, anger and anticipation, large efforts proved that mankind still upholds love and dignity for those in need. Yes, I agree, there is definitely a large area of space between where mankind has come since September 11th, but this is not wasted space. This is an area of pride and unity.
The horrific September 11th came about as a perfectly typical morning, then, unknowingly, the uncontrollable doom upon the nation began. Not one single human being expected these events that will never be forgotten. The late philosopher and historian, Arnold Toynbee, voiced, “ History teaches us that when a barbarian race confronts a sleeping culture, the barbarian race always wins.” This quote is very true relating to the exact occurrence which happened one month ago. A barbarian race confronted our sleeping country. Our slumbering culture was rudely awakened by the reality of the threat of war imposed upon the U.S. The Barbarians took advantage of the very freedoms our nation takes pride in—the freedoms our ancestors fought battles over-- and destroyed the hearts of Americans nationwide. Although part of our land was damaged, the confidence and hope that swept the nation after the tragedy proves that, in this case, the sleeping culture will prevail. The Taliban’s scheme was successful in ruining buildings, but definitely not victorious in conquering our patriotism.
Along with the destruction of the many buildings in Washington also came the dissolution of many human beings. Bin Laden truly revealed to the world that he had no compassion for Americans’ lives as he ordered the murder of over 6,000 innocent people. The heartless doings by our enemies can be summarized by a quote said by Andrew Carnegie in the early 1900’s: “To kill a man will be considered as disgusting [in the twentieth century] as we in this day consider it disgusting to eat one.” In my opinion, this quote means that little remorse if felt after the murder of people in today’s life, as it was also in the early 1900’s. This excerpt is legitimate, proven by what takes place in our very existence day after day. More and more lives are taken without an inkling of concern for those in pain. No feelings of regret or remorse are evident in today’s world, or were they then, when wrongdoings are rendered against others.
Concluding the events on September 11th, 2001, many people throughout the nation have voiced words of wisdom and hope. Justine Toms from the New Dimensions Radio station said, “This is one of those pivotal moments in history when we CAN change the world for the better as we bring wisdom actively to the for[front] and apply it with diligence and clarity. Let’s not go into reaction, dishing out what we have received, but act in a new level of global compassion. This is the time, we are the people. Our ancestors are rooting for us. May we be the ones who step off the wheel of the never-ending action and reaction.” I agree completely with these words. The only way to overcome world hate is to show compassion worldwide. Acting out on innocent people of Afghanistan will not solve the predicament the U.S. has been placed in. It only leads to more hatred. We must show love and support for other countries in order to receive the same in return. Now is the time to rebuild the strong name for the United States and be recognized once again as the world leader. We can overcome this horrible tragedy, but only with time and patience. Whether our nation is in war or prominence, we must always strive for global compassion. For this is the only way to ever find peace among mankind.
As I near closer to the ground,
a small portion of my security is regained.
The operator of the ride unlatches the tiny bar that traps me into the
teetering seat, and he releases me into the comfort of my friends.
Although moments before I was filled with terror and insecurity, with
confidence I overcame the fear that once consumed my mind.
Just like taking a ride on a ferris wheel, the terrorist attacks pulled
many Americans on an emotional ride embedding fear throughout our souls.
Although for brief moments we sat vulnerable and crushed, we found hope
and courage, which lead us through the darkness of the tragedy to the hope of
peace.
Reflecting on the life changing events that occurred on September 11th brings forth the reality that our respected nation is on the brink of war. Although,
CONCLUSION—there
will be a normal—but it will be significantly different from the normal we
have known.