One year ago we could hardly tear ourselves away from the television, radio and newspapers. We could not bear to let fellow Americans devastated by the terrorist attacks suffer alone.
It seemed disloyal to be going about our daily lives while others were living in a world turned upside down. We soaked in every bit of information — sometimes the same sights and stories over and over — until our emotions were battered and raw.
Now, the pressure to commemorate the first anniversary of Sept. 11 in the most meaningful way possible is almost too much. How much more can we absorb? What can we do or say as individuals that could possibly be meaningful enough on a day like this? Americans do just about everything in a big way. It’s part of our culture.
Surely we are on the right path if we honor those who died that day with solemn remembrance and firm resolve. Today is for reflection and grieving. Some may choose to be alone. Others will want to be with family, friends and neighbors participating in community services. For the most part, there is no right or wrong answer.
Starting Thursday, Sept. 12, it’s time to reinstate our resolve as a nation, as the world’s last remaining superpower. Our country’s wake-up call is still sounding. As many have pointed out, we don’t know whether the worst is over. Many questions, including the status of Osama bin Laden and the fate of Saddam Hussein, remain unanswered. Americans cannot afford to resume a state of complacency and ignorance about world affairs that leads to shock at the realization that we, indeed, have enemies. We are responsible for understanding and accepting our role in world affairs, not only for our own benefit and survival, but for the betterment of others.
There is comfort and pride in knowing that the wicked acts of the terrorists had the opposite effect than the one they intended. We were brought to our knees, but we did not stay there. In fact, shortly after the attacks, the United States led the world in the war in Afghanistan against the Taliban and the terrorists they harbored.
On a much smaller but important scale, we rallied by helping everyone we could think of — from victims of the attacks to our neighbors in need down the street. Our attitude toward community involvement changed drastically and we must maintain that change in years to come. Americans must guard against a collectively short attention span and a tendency to forget.
Much has been said about the need for patriotism and questioning who truly exemplifies it and who does not. Patriotism is an intense loyalty for one’s country. It does not boast hatred or paranoia. Rather, it is dependent upon passion coupled with just action.
We are a blessed nation, despite our tragedies. We have good reason to feel patriotic and equal responsibility to demonstrate it in a way that honors those who died on Sept. 11.
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