15 years ago our country was shaken to its core. On the evening of September 10th, Americans went to sleep with little to fear. We were still innocent and unaware of the fact that pure evil could, and would, attack the homeland and strike right at the very heart of our great nation.

The terrorists, however, were truly ignorant. They believed that by "martyring" themselves in such a horrific and extreme act of hatred, they would cripple us. Instead, they caused the opposite to occur. They failed in their ultimate goal. Though America has always been a strong and resilient country, she truly found her voice that fateful morning of September 11th, 2001. She left the rest of the world in awe as her people, grieving and battered, came together in a show of unity not seen since her birth. Now, every year on September 11th, Americans remember that day with the greatest sense of Patriotism. No wicked, outside force could ever destroy the spirit and strength of the American people.

I was only five on the day that America had her innocence ripped from her. It may be an odd sentiment, but I regret being too young to recall the events of that day- where I was, what I was told. I wish that I could tell my future children and grandchildren, "I remember that day. I watched the news as the towers crumbled and fell, but the people rose and lifted each other up." I can never claim to have had that experience. I have only the vaguest recollection of glancing a newspaper article that evening, with the photo of a tall skyscraper pouring smoke just as the terrified people below it poured blood and tears. And yet, that is enough to fill me with immense pride every year on the anniversary. Even with all of her flaws, I could not be prouder to live in America.

God bless those who still grieve for loved ones lost that day. God bless those that gave their lives in an attempt to save others that day. God bless America, always.