“Never Forget”
As the day draws to a close, and people across the nation rest their heads, often unaware of the significance that has already started to fade from their minds, I'd like to take a moment to share my heartfelt reflections on the profound meaning this day holds for me.
This day often stirs controversy among peers of my age, a sentiment I wholeheartedly comprehend and appreciate. Our world continues to be a dynamic and uncertain terrain. Those who did not personally witness the horrors of that fateful day may struggle to truly grasp the profound tragedy that befell our nation just twenty-two years ago.
Before I go about spewing my thoughts and why I believe every American should take a few minutes of this day to remember the innocent lives taken (that’s definitely from the military BRAT blood that pumps through my veins), I’d like to share some words of two individuals who vividly remember this significant day.
“The attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001 were less than a month before I turned 16. I was leaving a class in high school and heading to another when we heard of the first attack. As I arrived in French class, the TV was on, and we sat watching, spinning up our theories of why and witnessing the second plane hit the second tower. We knew we were watching history, and the shock of it all prevented any immediate feeling from myself.
I most vividly remember that everyone started to care a lot about everyone else. The best of us ran into those buildings to save as many as they could, even sacrificing their own lives in the process. We waged a war, and thousands more aggressively fought to pay retribution on our behalf. Many of us lost parts of ourselves in response to the attack and following the war, but in the name of the greatest country that’s ever existed and the freedom we have to grow our families and exist without interference and oppression, we would, without question, do it again.”
As I read Chad’s reflection, who was 15 at the time of the attack, I no longer feel any sadness. How could I not feel sad, especially when over 2,000 people died? When our own people pass, it is painful, and our nation suffers, but what stood out to Chad and myself was the unity and compassion that emerged among people in the aftermath of the attacks. He admires the bravery of those who rushed to help others, even at significant personal risk, and he acknowledges the sacrifices made by many during the subsequent war on terror.
Despite the hardships and losses experienced by our country in response to the attacks and the war, Chad emphasizes his unwavering belief in the greatness of our nation and the importance of defending the freedoms it represents.
“I had the day off. My wife and I had slept in. My friend, Iggie, called from work to tell me to turn on the news because a plane hit the first tower. We just thought it was an accident. We were in the living room watching when the second plane hit. It was scary! We thought we were under attack and had no idea just how bad it would get.
I was called in about 1200, and there was no real update. The commander just wanted everyone close. We built a fence around our unit within weeks. Security got high on base. The whole world changed.
I was on active duty serving at a Marine Reconnaissance unit. Within the next couple of days, units were being deployed. The next 13 years were a blur for me—several deployments into the Middle East and Africa to keep terror busy and away from our home. And a number of friends were hurt or lost.
I am humbled by the spirit of unity Americans had on 9/11. A spirit of pride in our country. We said that we would never forget. Unfortunately, many have already forgotten.”
A quote that my father told me that he once heard when he was on active duty came from General Mattis, saying, “When fighting terror, it is always better to play an away game as opposed to a home game.”
This stuck with me for a long time, and still to this day, as I sit upstairs in my quiet apartment and breathe in the fresh air with little to no worry about my safety, I forget the privilege extended to me because of the many who have sacrificed.
I understand that many don’t know why we would celebrate something that happened just twenty-two years ago, and many want us to focus on the injustices that occur today and every day following. Don’t get me wrong, the present times are important, and what we do today matters. But that is not what we’re focusing on when it comes to observing a day like 9/11. Take a moment while you read this and check your privilege, American; how blessed are you right now?
We are a blessed nation. To stand up for whatever we want and openly and freely speak on our beliefs! We observe many important holidays for specific individuals as they don’t include every ethnic background, religion, and faith. But this is a day 9/11 where everyone in the United States gets to band arms and be reminded of the travesty but, most importantly, the UNITY that we did have and can have!
Now, I proudly quote a lyric from a song that will put my Papa to tears every time it’s played; “Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA!”
Thank you, reader, for your time and attention! I hope this was insightful and convicting. The two men quoted have their own platforms that are resourceful and useful. I encourage you to take the time to look at their pages and socials!
Chad White: oldmedic.org
Jeff Stevens: notcm.com
