Ten Years Later...

Ten years ago today, the sense of security was stripped from the United States Government as well as the civilians residing in the United States who were old enough to remember the tragic day. Thousands of people lost their lives that day leaving behind sons, daughters, parents, and significant others. I can clearly remember that day as if it happened yesterday. I was in fourth grade when my principal's worried voice came over the loud speaker causing the room to fall into a sullen silence. We were ushered outside into the small yard where our flag hung high and proud. It was the backdrop of a warm, sunny, beautiful day. Even though I was too young to grasp the gravity of the situation dealt suddenly into our hands I was, however, able to notice the panic stricken expressions plastered onto our teachers faces. The rest of the day passed in a blur of fuzzy confusion. From that moment on I, personally, felt as if I had to always be on my guard; as if my own home and school would burst into flames claiming more lives. I was too scared to set foot on a plane making what should have been fun trips to Disney World a battle I inevitably lost.


As the years passed and understanding enlightened me I realized how much we have taken for granted. Before 9/11 happened everyone went about their business, hopping onto flights and taking the smallest things for granted.  We, as Americans, had freedom that some countries could only dream  about but many of us were blind to the anger and range and jealousy emanating from our neighbors. Seemingly overnight homeland security took charge and planted high quality security systems in malls, airports, and other populated areas. Rules became more stringent and the ability to walk happily through airports without going through security was ripped out from under us. Now we are forced to stand in line as we are herded through the security checkpoint. Phones are now being tapped ensuring that the US is safe from yet another terrorist attack. Even though the government is doing all this to make sure we are safe our standards of what privacy is has been forced to change. Some people believe this to be an inconvenience, but we have to understand that it's a price we now have to pay to ensure our safety. 

In listening to the news and other multimedia sources the theme seems to stay constant: that people should live life to its fullest, take nothing for granted, and let those you love know how much you appreciate them. Life is like a burning flame, inevitably to be snuffed out. 9/11 proved that much to us as thousands of people lost their lives.