A discussion was raised in one of my classes last week. My professor simply asked, “Are you the ‘9/11 Generation?’” Although the attacks did happen at the beginning of my adolescence, it was honestly something I had never thought of.
Throughout the past decade, the anniversaries of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2011 have come and gone. Each year, all through middle and high school, there was always a brief moment of silence, or possibly a special on television.
Then came the 10-year remembrance. Just like that, distinct and vivid memories of that fall day when I was in 6th grade came spiraling back. Has it really been ten years?
I distinctly remember where I was on that terrible day, as most college students do. We all remember which grade school or junior high class room we were sitting in, and we most likely remember which teacher bravely attempted to educate a group of innocent children the results of evil people doing evil acts.
I distinctly remember a good friend being pulled out of class in tears. We were told later that his uncle was in the second tower that was hit. He miraculously found the stairwell that was unaffected by the massive 747 jet stuck inside the building and survived. Seeing that little boy’s head buried in his hands, crying profusely, was my first personal view of Sept. 11, 2001.
The point is that 9/11 changed every single one of us that day, and it changed us at a very young age. Gone were the assumptions of world dominance and safety. Al-Qaida proved that day that America could be touched.
Long and extensive inspections before airplane flights have become a norm. I honestly cannot fathom the idea of walking onto an airplane without a complete bag inspection, metal detectors, and maybe a pat down here and there.
We have never opposed it, and we have never thought twice of it. It is how we were raised.
War has become normal. In a way, we became immune to the concept of war casualties. 30 soldiers killed here? 10 there? We never batted an eye. All of these deaths were casualties of a war on terror, and that was all we knew. That kind of mindset was not prevalent in the ‘90s.
Sept. 11, 2001 hurt America greatly. It exploited our vulnerabilities, and killed thousands. It hurt our spirit and morale.
However, America has bounced back. If growing up in this decade of loss and despair has taught me anything, it is that America is resilient.
I was in State College Pennsylvania last week. I sat as an opposing fan in one of the most intimidating football stadiums in the country. I sang in unison, “The Star Spangled Banner,” with 107,000 people I had never met. I joined arms with strangers as “America the Beautiful” was sung.
This sense of patriotism and brotherly love is not found in many other places. While America has seen its ups and downs, it will always have the power of its people. That is something to be proud of.
Jake Gray is a senior majoring in economics and journalism. His column runs on Tuesdays.
@JAGray55
