Commentary
Every Sept. 11, America is forced to look back at the ghastly experience of that day and remember the trauma we suffered.
Recalling it is painful but also necessary. We were united as one, even if only briefly. What brought us together to bear the weight of that still important historical moment?
As the fire blazed and plumes of smoke billowed over America’s most famous skyline, we were forced to reflect inward on our national identity–who we are as a people, where we come from, and where we are going.
Moments of tragedy have this effect. The particular concerns of the day-to-day hustle and bustle of life are put into perspective. On that morning in 2001, all of our apparent grievances—whether they happened to be political, social, or economic—melted into the background as we considered what it actually meant to be an American—and what responsibilities subsequently accompanied that honor….