2016 marks the 15 year anniversary of a terrorist attack that shook our great nation. It marks the beginning of a new generation, one that was forever changed by the events of that day. This is the first year that high school freshmen will be taught about 9/11 as a historical event that took place before they were born. The kids of 9/11 are all grown up now.
I'll admit I'm towards the end of this group. I was only five when the towers came down, but I remember snippets of what happened that day. My kindergarten class went to the stairwell for what we thought was a tornado drill while teachers whispered back and forth. For weeks to come, the image of the towers, one on fire, was on the news. I didn't understand why. Now I do.
Now I'm 20 and the events of that day have shaped my childhood. Terrorism is now a common phrase. When something happens, we get sad but are never truly shocked. I live in Orlando and the Pulse attack did not surprise me. I was incredibly sad and mourned along with the rest of my city but to be honest, I was more surprised that it hadn't happened sooner.
Please forgive me if that seems harsh but I've grown up in a world where suicide bombers and radical Islam is used every few weeks. The news is constantly talking about acts of terrorism, and how it's affecting us. We were unintentionally taught to expect these things to happen.
This generation was taught if the government thinks you're doing something suspicious they can track what you do. And sometimes they never see things like the Boston bombing coming. We were also taught some beliefs should be fought for with everything you have. Freedom is one of them.
Now I won't make the claim that America is the greatest country because we have freedom. We are not the greatest country and many others have freedom. But when we needed it most, this country came together and showed the world tearing us down will not destroy us. The kind of unity that was shown after 9/11 was some of the strongest this country has seen in years. It was genuine and heartfelt, something we sorely lack today. The fact that people from all walks of life were able to support one another in spite of their differences is what makes America so wonderful. It's time we get back to that.
In the spirit of honoring and remembering the lives lost 15 years ago, I challenge you to unite this country again. Race, religion, and political affiliation should not prevent you from doing this. At least for this day, we should be able to put aside our differences and unite to remember the fallen. We should remember those who risked their lives for the freedom we have. And we should remember that we stand a better chance united than we do divided.
The 15th anniversary brings back a lot of memories. It should also bring hope. Hope that one day we never wake up to the news of another terrorist attack. Hope that one day people will disagree peacefully. As the generation that has grown up in the wake of tragedy, we should be the leaders of this charge. After all, we're not kids anymore. We're all grown up now and we have the power to make this happen. The question is, will you?
