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Show i T-- n. Ihe Forum Page4 In Memorium: When a handful of religious fanatics took it upon themselves to punish America last September 11 America joined the ranks of most other nations, victims of a terrorist attack. No longer could we as a ' nation claim that our fortress mainland was impenetrable. The results of the attacks marked a new beginning ... or rather a new attitude in America. If I had to name the most poignant change in America since September 11 it would have to be the attitude change. Americans were singing a different tune long after the shellshock wore off from the attacks. Gone was the arrogance of superiority, in its place was the sting of humiliation, vulnerability and anger like no other in our history. All we could do was ask how and why. Picking up the pieces of our now very fragile lives was not so easy. During the past year we have seen just how hard it is to press on with everyday life. Whatever confidence we had in the American system was replaced by uncertainty in both our government and financial institutions. This doesnt mean that patriotism has suffered any. This year Americans have showed more patriotism than perhaps any September 10, 2002 911 One Year Later time in our history, but patriotism only goes so far. Patriotism cant restore the trust of investors to buy shares in an unstable stock market nor can it restore the confidence in corporate America to keep from downsizing to shave operation costs. In the wake of the attacks, instability has permeated American society. This is evident in our lagging economy and unstable job markets. Where and how it will end is as puzzling as There are specific events that I will remember, with clarity, for the rest of my life. I was in the fourth grade, crowded around a small television with 100 classmates, when the Space Ship Challenger exploded. I was driving to work, listening to the radio, when I heard the unconfirmed news that two planes had crashed into the World Trade Towers. I remember thinking man, someone in the control tower is how our government failed to fulfill its primary going to be in big troufunction on September ble. The seriousness 11 defense. and severity of the event A. Johnson registered as the news - was confirmed and began pouring in. I am not unique in the fact that I remember precisely where I was when I heard the news. Where were you? I was at home when my grandmother called to tell me, but I didnt believe her so I went back to bed. Mandy Masey, senior I was watching the Today Show in my bedroom. Georgia White, Assistant Professor, Marketing I was at work Cassandra Cowley, senior -- Melissa Walker Jeremy -- Photo taken by Forum Staff Writer Kelli Coppens just weeks before September 11, 2001 Driving through town on a typical afternoon, I stop at a red traffic light when something catches my eye. Curiously, I look to my right to see an American flag standing idle on top of a school-yar- d flagpole. I stare at it for a minute or so until I had realized the light had turned green. September 11, 2001 had changed me. This day has changed many of us. But while many will continue to grieve on what was lost, I reflect on what those attacks had given our country instead of what was taken away. What I have found in myself and others is a new sense of patriotism. Only weeks prior to this day, one year ago now, I rose to the top of the Empire State Building. I was unaware it was the last time I would be taking photographs of the two towers that I had always admired to be part of the glittering New York skyline. I was also unaware this would be the last time I will ever climb a building this high again. Being from the East Coast, I felt a connection to where the attacks were made. With phone connections tied and having some of my closest friends living in New York City, I couldnt pos- sibly go to classes that day. I remember feeling astonished at professors who chose to teach classes on this day knowing what had happened. Watching a city I no longer recognized, I worried who would be next, how long the -attacks would go on and if they may never end. The fear that shook me after watching the towers repeatedly crumble on television is such a vivid memory; I could almost believe it happened yesterday. Growing up in America, it is easy to take for granted what we have. Once this is threatened, we tend to grasp onto our freedom even tighter. I dont believe my own grasp will ever loosen. Ive captured a new admiration for my grandfather, a United States Marine, because I have realized America is my family. It is every Americans family. If we look deep enough, we can believe our country is part of ourselves.- My hope for all of us is we - will make strong efforts to explore and learn about what we are forev- er connected to. As we explore, we will together grow with our land of the free and our home of the brave. -- Kelli Coppens world what we are truly capable of, not with our fists, but with our hearts. We came together as one when I woke up that morning. I assume I will and stood strong against the evil that had been always remember that day, as will most posed against us. Love Americans. September and pride overshadowed 11 was a day that the feelings of fear and hate. America is made changed life for every American. We will up of so much diversity, always remember what a yet we were all able to become one and stand tragic day we awoke to that morning. We will strong as one nation. never forget, and so it We should never forget should be. What what happened that America saw that day morning of September was not only what hatred 11. Nor should we forlies in the world, but also get what it means to be the courage and pride called an American. that exist as well. Matt Luer America showed the Almost a year has passed, but I still remember exactly how I felt -- The Forum welcomes your opinions, suggestions, AND OTHER SUCH MUSINGS. To CONTACT US, WRITE TO: The Forum, Westminster College 1840 S. 1300 E. Salt Lake City, UT 84103 . or forumwestminstercollege.edu |
