Flags flew at half-mast, bells were rung as the names of the fallen were read, and the nation was brought back to September 11, 2001. On that day America came under attack, and--as we recall--the World Trade Center was destroyed, the Pentagon sustained heavy damage, and a field in Pennsylvania was marred forever. Lives were lost in unbelievable numbers. The composition of families was changed: sons, daughters, wives, husbands, brothers, and sisters were never to return to their homes. Children would grow up without a father or a mother, there would be one less brother or sister and mothers and fathers would bury their children. The day of the attacks, 2,606 people died in the World Trade Center and surrounding areas. At the Pentagon, 125 individuals lost their lives and 44 went down with the plane in the Pennsylvania field. Over 6000 were injured on this fateful day. Subsequently it has been estimated that 1,140 people contracted some form of cancer from exposure to the toxins emitted from the destruction of the towers. Approximately 1,400 rescue workers have died since the attacks. The outcome of the attacks continues to have ramifications with those who were involved in or close to the devastation. Some of the scars are visible while others are not seen, but still have left a lasting impact on the afflicted.
The evening of September 11, President George W. Bush addressed the nation and included in his remarks the following statements: “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.” Indeed, the response by the president was a major solidifying factor in bringing all Americans to stand together regardless of political party affiliation, religious orientation, gender, race or ethnicity. America had been attacked and there was a sense of unity for all to support the administration in its response. It is most unfortunate that often it is a catastrophe or some disaster that unites the populace to put ideology aside and do what needs to be done. We have seen this when natural disasters occur such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, volcanic eruptions floods, and we saw it after the attacks. Why must there be major life-altering events to act as a unifying force amongst us? After 9/11, there was a measure of oneness that brought people together.
As we reflect on the horrific attacks on this day there are memories that are indelibly etched in our psyche. Even though there was a great deal of pain and suffering, people responded and volunteered to help in any way they could, but we have lost this sense of togetherness in the current climate that pervades our country. There is a sense of pervasive skepticism in the behavior and actions of members of the current administration. We have become a society that is marred by diverse and unwavering beliefs that often belie reason and simple common sense. As we reflect on the current climate, can we foresee a better time—a time when people come together to deal with common issues, needs, and concerns? Will it take another catastrophic event to ignite the flames of a caring and unified society? p American resolve does rise to the occasion when called upon to do so. Let us hope that we can move to employ such resolve short of a unifying catastrophe.