Tomorrow is September 11.
In the United States, that means an anniversary of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which changed all of our lives. We live with the fallout (in some cases, literal) every day of our lives.
Several years ago, in 2012 and updated later, I wrote a post "One Day We Will Forget".
In that post, I said this:
"No, don't be angry at me. I will remember September 11 for the rest of
my life. I remember it every year. First, it was my father in law's
birthday (although he was no longer with us on that day.) Then, it became the day I watched in horror (after my
employer hastily located a television) as the second tower fell, later
finding out that one of my co workers lost his son on that day. His
daughter in law was pregnant. Other people I know lost loved ones. 11 people who
went to my high school died that day. Two of them left pregnant
spouses."
Today and tomorrow, I will think of 9/11, but I ask you to consider this:
Tomorrow, all of the children born on September 11, 2001 will turn 18. In the state of New York, where I live, and where most of the deaths took place, that means they enter adulthood.
In the next nine months, children will turn 18 who have lived their entire lives, every moment, in a post - 9/11 world.
What will they think of what we have made this world into?
And oh yes, as they turn 18 they gain the right to vote.
Will they use that right? I wonder.
I ended my post with this:
"Our world isn't theirs.
They will remember, but not the way we do. Our job is to make sure they
know about the day and its meaning, and let them sort it out. Keep in
mind that the children born on September 11, 2001, will turn 18 on
September 11, 2019, and will be granted the right to vote.
I hope they will use that power of the vote well."
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
15 comments:
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You and I were not around on 12/7/1941, but we remember. Today’s children will remember 9/11.
ReplyDeleteSongbird, that is true, but I don't remember it in the way, for example, that my mother, who was in her early 20's on 12/7/41, remembered it. But I think we will all remember it in our own ways, as long as we and our children live. After that, I am not sure.
DeleteI teach an early morning group of students aged 14-18. ALL of them were born into a post-9/11 world. Unconsciously, it has shaped them as it has consciously shaped us. I, too, pray they use their power (to vote, to commit, to rule their world) wisely!
ReplyDeleteIt's sometimes hard for me to remember that my world (age 66) is not their world. I have the same prayer as you do.
DeleteYes I remember ... just desperate times - I hope it's a peaceful day.
ReplyDeleteAll the best - Hilary
So do I, Hilary. Here in the Northeast, we may have near record highs. The last hurrah of summer. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
DeleteI can tell you with utmost certainty they DO NOT. I am probably the oldest student on campus (52) and the youngest is 18 (thinking to my classes)---scary thoughts on how these young people think. Then I remember, was I that way when I was their age? Probably. My son is 22 and he can tell you with exact detail what he/we were doing. But then again, Alana, he was raised in a home filled with civic duty/Patriotism. A lot of these young people are not.
ReplyDeleteJust my two cents. smiles
I remember (my husband was working that night) talking with my son, who was in middle school at the time, about what had happened. We browsed the Internet together to try to gather what facts we could. I hope I taught him well.
DeleteI was in a 7th grade class yesterday. One of the girls mentioned that Wednesday was 9/11 and that we should remember. She then asked the 12th grader in the room if he was around for it. I informed her that no, those who were born before 9/11 graduated in June. From now on, no one in grades 12 or below will have been born before 9/11. She thought that was a bit freaky.
ReplyDeleteI can remember asking a co-workers (years ago!) what she was doing when Kennedy was shot (I was 10 when it happened), and she reminded me she was a baby at the time and had no idea. Yes...time does march on.
DeleteWe have people fighting in Afghanistan who were not alive when the casus belli was effected!
ReplyDeleteThat is quite sobering and, of course, you are right.
DeleteI am entering this comment on behalf of my reader Elizabeth, who was unable to post: Songbird is right. When raised in a caring family who TALKS about these things, it helps all of us cherish our freedoms and remembers those who had to die for them. 9/11 was in many ways different. These people did not ask to die in planes and on the ground. They had no choice. We must always honor them for being Americans. And we must always honor the police and fire and all workers who often gave their lives to help others.
ReplyDeleteThank you, all, for your thoughtful comments today.
ReplyDeleteThat must not be a fun birthday to have. I'm sure it is difficult to celebrate the way you wan to.
ReplyDelete