You can now listen to Fox News articles! The memory of the day two planes crashed into the World Trade Center and changed our lives forever will never fade. I recall being in the Pacific Time Zone and receiving a call from my wife, urging me to turn on the news. The shock in the voices of the reporters and the sight of black smoke billowing from the towers and the ash-covered streets will forever stay with me. That morning, I drove to a presbytery meeting where we gathered to watch the events unfold on the news. We ended our meeting early, feeling compelled to go home and provide comfort to our communities. At the time, I was pastor of a church in Thousand Oaks, California. The drive home through Los Angeles was eerie – a usually bustling freeway was completely empty, and I was one of the only cars on the road. The gravity of the situation sank in, and I knew that this would be a day etched in history. September 11, 2001, will always be remembered by America.
On that fateful day, four coordinated terrorist attacks shocked the nation as planes crashed into the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, and our nation’s symbols of economic prosperity and military strength were targeted. These events propelled us into the War on Terror, forcing us to confront the sobering reality that our freedom was under threat.
As the president of a university, I am mindful that most college-aged students were not yet born at the time of 9/11. They did not experience the same emotions and turmoil that we did. For them, it is a distant event, akin to World War I for many of us. However, they still live with the consequences of that day, particularly when it comes to airport security.
As we commemorate and reflect on 9/11, there are valuable lessons we can impart to college students to help them grasp the significance of that day.
First and foremost, democracy thrives on courage. When the Twin Towers and the Pentagon were attacked, firefighters, law enforcement officers, members of the Armed Forces, and civilians sprang into action to rescue those trapped in the buildings and under the debris. Approximately 13,000-15,000 people were successfully evacuated, and 20 individuals were pulled out of the rubble. The heroes of Flight 93 acted bravely to prevent another attack. Courage was displayed not only by those who protected our homeland that day but also by those who subsequently enlisted in the Armed Forces and fought in the War on Terror. These individuals serve as a testament to the courage engrained in our nation’s history, a quality we desperately need today. The Founding Fathers risked their lives by committing treason for the sake of liberty, recognizing that the pursuit of freedom was worth the sacrifice. A flourishing democracy necessitates individuals willing to fight for what is right, even in the face of adversity, fear, and the status quo. We can instill courage in college students by sharing stories of the heroic men and women of 9/11 who prioritized humanity and American ideals over their own safety. Additionally, we can encourage students to express gratitude to firefighters, law enforcement officials, and members of the Armed Forces for their service and engage in conversations about safeguarding our nation.
Secondly, unity must prevail. In the aftermath of 9/11, America came together. Thousands of people volunteered to clean up the wreckage and rebuild what had been destroyed. Citizens lined up to donate blood, while others provided meals, shelter, and assistance to families navigating uncertainty. Political affiliations, religious differences, and demographic divisions dissolved in the face of a national tragedy. Just hours after the attacks, members of Congress, crossing party lines, stood united on the steps of Capitol Hill to sing “God Bless America.” This act of unity exemplified the spirit of Irving Berlin’s poignant song, celebrating the exceptionalism of America. Our nation is a place where individuals can pursue their dreams, with a shared goal of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a place where unity triumphs over polarization, as demonstrated after the American Revolution. Our pledge remains to be “one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” We can illustrate the beauty of America to college students by emphasizing the importance of civil discourse. Disunity poses a significant threat to our nation, and we must teach students the value of working through conflicts, respecting diverse perspectives, and striving for consensus in order to build a better future. Just as people exhibited unity during 9/11 by focusing on common ground, we can foster unity today.
Thirdly, unwavering resilience is what sustains us. The image of three firefighters raising the American flag at Ground Zero will forever be etched in our memories. Amidst the gray ashes, the red, white, and blue stood as a symbol of hope. The terrorists may have destroyed our buildings, but they could not crush the American spirit.
In the days following 9/11, many drew parallels to Pearl Harbor, the bombings occurring just a few months shy of its 60th anniversary. When President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war on Japan in 1941, he spoke of “absolute victory” and the unwavering determination of the American people. Roosevelt recognized that nothing could dismantle the foundation of American democracy. That same resilience was evident on 9/11. As President George W. Bush stated, “These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.” Fear, sorrow, and pain consumed us in the aftermath, but they did not define us. Like in the past, America emerged stronger, rebuilding itself.
To help college students truly comprehend the significance of 9/11, we must share personal stories of that day, recounting where we were and how it impacted us. Encourage them to visit the 9/11 Memorial, either in person or virtually, and attend commemorative events on their campuses or in their local communities. Engage them in discussions about their emotions and the lessons they learned from these experiences. As they study the events of 9/11, challenge them to contemplate how they would respond in the face of tragedy. Who would they choose to become? We will all face moments of unimaginable pain, but it is what we do afterward that truly matters.
It is crucial that we continue to share stories of 9/11, both of our personal experiences and the stories of those who were at Ground Zero. As with any tragedy in history, the moment we stop talking about it is the moment it begins to fade into the past. Therefore, we must ensure that 9/11 is forever ingrained in our collective memory. On September 11, let us remember – remember the courageous individuals who selflessly rushed into disaster to make a difference, remember those whose lives were tragically cut short, and remember the bravery and resilience that have preserved our freedom.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
