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There was a time when we could walk through airports without any hassels. If you looked out your office window in the city, you would get a gorgeous view of a landscape filled with skyscrapers that included the Twin Towers.We would take the train into the city at all hours of the day.Manhattan was apparently the "hotspot" for fun, excitement or a simple night out on the town. We lived for the moment;rarely preoccupied with the future. We associated terrorism with the Middle East. We were the best,"the cream of the crop" - undefeatable,unsurpassable,arrogant and unprepared. On September 10,2001,New York experienced its last perfect day. By 9:00 the next day, our world as we knew it had changed forever.
At exactly 8:45 on September 11, 2001,terrorists had brutally invaded our quiet cocoon of safety and supremacy. Hijackers had taken over American Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 217,and crashed into the Twin Towers. Witnesses later recalled the violent tremor of the buildings. It took architects about 8 years and 6 months to build the World Trade Center, and only 1 hour and 42 minutes to crumble to ruins.
A year later, New York is still suffering the reprecussions of September 11th both economically and emotionally.There are hundreds who never made it out the building, and their remains will be embedded in the earth for eternity.For many families this has inhibited them from obtaining closure. Then there are the hundreds of firefighters who died because of their desire to help those in need. Today, because of them our whole concept of the word 'hero' has changed drastically. Last year Micheal Jordan was considered a hero for winning several championships. This year,however we honor the selfless men and women who rushed into the blazing enferno of the Twin Towers.
I beiieve September 11th was a great tragedy. So many lives were lost for the sake of someone's fanatical beliefs. In the face of sadness and anger, I must also confront the shame I feel towards my fellow countryman. It took a vast calamity like September 11th for people to come together, regardless of race, color, ethnicity or religion. From Catholics and jews to Caucasians and African Americans, we were all able to be amicable after September 11th. People finally wanted to recognize firefighters for a job they have performed for years on a daily basis. Now everyone wants to sing, "God Bless America", and express this outpour of nationalism. Sadly, it usually takes great misfortune for people to take notice of what has been in existance for some time.
Our nest has been snatched out from underneath us, and we have been left dangeling in the air. Together we shall lay the branches of strength and defense, and build a better foundation of stability.
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