Certain events occur in every person’s life that leave lasting impressions, shaping the way that they act and eventually how they become. Typically, these kinds of things are small, or local tragedies that happen between small circles of families or friends and remain relatively private from their everyday peers. However, we Americans all share one day so impressionable, and so tragic that not one of us was left unchanged.

On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the United States. Four planes were hijacked mid-flight. Two of these planes crashed into the two skyscrapers of the World Trade Center. Another plane crashed into the Pentagon, and the other crashed in Pennsylvania. The attacks resulted in almost 3,000 casualties -- and a loss of a feeling of innocence for our country. From this day on, America would be different, and it has been.

For the first time since the Pearl Harbor attacks in 1941, we felt vulnerable. Invaders came into our home and took the lives of mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, cousins, etc., everywhere. There were people in New York City going to an average of 30 funerals in a month because of this. Doing everyday things like going to work, taking the subway, or catching a flight were now met with fear and anxiety.

September 11, 2001, created a great deal of fear and sorrow, not to mention how much airport security changed after this day. However, it also united us as American people. No matter the race or ethnicity; everyone is an American on this day. After all, it is our solidarity and patriotism that not only got us through this terrible event in history, but also made us better as a people because of it.