Ten years ago, the United States of America changed forever. Many people think of 9/11 as a tragedy and, in scope of human loss of life and invoked fear, a tragedy it was. But the optimist inside me begs to pay closer attention at this special anniversary to the good that came from an overwhelmingly negative event.
As I’ve watched some of the specials that have been aired today, I’ve noticed something different. The first and most poignant is that when I watch the images of the towers falling, of wives telling the story of lost firefighter husbands or of people leaping from the towers to end their life, it really gets to me. Ever since serving my mission and really getting to know and learning to love people, it’s really emotional to see anyone suffer. I’d be lying to say I haven’t shed tears while watching.
The other thing I noticed was that the story of 9/11 has another side I never was cognitive of before. It's the tale of the selflessness shown that day. There have been countless accounts of people caring more for others' lives than their own. I recently saw, in an interview, a man who said something to the effect of "I knew that if I got out, I wouldn't want to think back and know I didn't try to help someone else." That's bravery.
It’s a story of strangers helping strangers. It's a story of the enduring human spirit. It's a story of ordinary Americans showing extraordinary courage.
So, as we mourn the loss of the 2,977 victims of this tragedy, let us not forget the unconquerable spirit that we, as Americans have shown for nearly 250 years. Let us not forget that in the midst of pain, there was consolation from unknown voices; people thrown into utter vulnerability who had never previously met and who must now rely on those around them for comfort. Let us not forget that in times of crisis, we find out what people are really made of. America earned the red of it's Banner's stripes that day, but also proved the uniting persevering blue.
Ten years ago, two towers fell so that we could stand.
Together.
- Mike
