9/11 And The Level Of Respect That Comes With It
Start writing a post
Student Life

9/11 And The Level Of Respect That Comes With It

For the thousands of people who are gone, but never forgotten.

135
https://unsplash.com/photos/A32DH4B0FBY
Photo by Aidan Bartos on Unsplash

Seventeen years ago, the world as we knew it was completely changed. Since I was only two years old at the time, I don't remember much; but from what I have heard, nothing was ever the same after that one September day. The entire world shook when terrorists crashed a plane into the World Trade Center, taking thousands of innocent lives with it.

On a personal note, my grandma died in 9/11; she went for a normal day of work and never returned home. Since 9/11 was such a worldwide event, I think that it is really hard for some people to think of how this terrorist attack affected victims, first-responders, and families on a personal level. This didn't just mean stricter airport security or fear of crowds, for some people, 9/11 meant losing their lives or the lives of the people they loved for a reason that is just entirely too hard to wrap your head around.

Because 9/11 is so personal to me, I get very upset when people don't show it with the level of respect it deserves. 9/11 is not a day for conspiracy theories and jokes, and the 9/11 Museum is not a place you go just to post pictures on your Snapchat story. You should go to pay your respects and think about how each name you see represents a real person who would never see another day because of some hateful war that had nothing to do with them directly. You should think about how some insanely courageous people risked their lives, and even lost their lives, in order to help others. You should think about the people who were lucky enough to survive, but will forever feel guilty for it. Or how some diligent workers would never return to their spouses, children, or loved ones ever again.

If you ever get the chance to walk through the museum itself, please take the time to really look around. You should read everything, especially the quotes. You truly get a sense of what it was like to be there in that moment. You should look at the survivor steps and the steel that remains from the towers. You should look at the clothes they found and notice the distress caused by the fires. Watch the videos, look at all the faces; think about the families who had to go through pictures of someone they loved so they could somehow pay tribute to them. In all honesty, you will leave the museum feeling drained and destroyed, but I really feel like everyone should understand the severity of the attack. The museum does an impressive job of conveying the impact it had on people's lives.

This September 11th, I want you to look around you and feel thankful. Be thankful that the world doesn't look and feel like it is crumbling down. Be thankful that there are people fighting overseas, hoping to destroy the fear that has remained since. Be thankful for freedom and the price that people have paid for it. Remember those faces, remember the names. Death is real, survival guilt is real, PTSD is real, but so is courage and unity and the strength people had to keep going. The world stopped that day, so maybe you should take some time out of yours to stop and reflect.

Gone but never forgotten. May all those innocent souls rest in peace always: remember them.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57580
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37095
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958819
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191423
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments