9.11

An event that makes time stand still and shakes us to our core is an event every generation has. It was 9/11 that I remembered the most. We heard about the first tower on the radio, but it wasn’t until 20 minutes later that it was announced that the second tower was hit. I called my family on the east coast when I turned on the TV for the news. Nobody knew what to do or how to react that day. I don’t remember what day it was, but it was the day after 9/12. 

It didn’t matter if you were a Democrat, Republican, African, Mexican, Caucasian, Asian, Jewish, Catholic, Muslim or not, that day we were all Americans. The flags sold out and the united we stand was on every highway message board. There was no better time to be an American and the world felt our sadness and shared tears with us. We gained strength by standing together, for a brief period of time people were a lot nicer to each other. There were people walking outside and talking to one of them. The fires were quickly extinguished with love, even though some sought to turn to hate and blame. We came together as one country, one republic and one goal in the weeks that followed. Stand together, stand strong, stand proud, stand up for what is right, against evil. I celebrate 9/12, the triumph over the adversity, the pride of the Red, White and Blue, as I look back.

A new generation will graduate that wasn’t born, because we’re a figment of that. Hate and divide are present in our country, which has lost its unity. Not only are they prevalent, but they are encouraged from both sides. To that generation, don’t worry, for there’s a new dawn every dusk.

We are at a new beginning. It is up to you to see the change you want to see. Taking the initiative to go above and beyond on a small scale is the beginning of it. Be kind to one more person, hold one more door, help one more neighbor, listen to one more conversion, and have that friendly debate. 

To my generation, it is time to grab the torch, to start leading the light to a better dawn, to return to civility, and respect. It is incumbent upon us at this time, no matter what our beliefs are. We are not too far away from the bright shiny star on the hill that a man once called our country. Do not ask what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. To the older generation, thank you. You have done an amazing job in this relay, and you are still doing an amazing job. We are ready, the time is now, and the time is today, please help us take the torch.