Nine-Eleven-Two- Thousand- One

I've previously said that I find the phrase "it could always be worse" infuriating, but on this day 16 years ago, at 8:45 AM the worst had happened for thousands of people. While this act of terror happened on American soil, it was not just American lives that where lost that day. 2,996 people were killed and more than 6,000 others wounded. This included 343 firefighters, and 71 law enforcement died in the World Trade Center on that Tuesday morning in September. What many people don't realize is that more than 90 countries also lost citizens during the attack. 9/11 was the single greatest terror attack on American soil since the attack on Pearl Harbor sixty years prior. This act of hate and violence shook Americans to their core.

I was in first grade when the attack took place. My mom woke me up and informed me I was going to work with her that day. It was no later than 6:30 when she got me up. I remember her carrying me into her room where I seated myself criss-cross- applesauce on her bedroom floor, and the news was sounding off. I didn't comprehend much that was going on, but I knew whatever it was, wasn't good.  I had never seen my mother look scared, and in those moments watching the news- it was undeniable that she was scared. Scared of what, that I didn't know.

Details about the attack were released, and America was soon informed that it was no accident. That it was a planned act of terror by a group of radicals. Less than a month after the 9/11 attacks America declared war on Iraq on October 7th, 2001. President Bush declared war on terrorism and vowed to hold states responsible for harboring terrorist organizations, such as the Taliban. 16 years later and acts of terrorism, war, and hate have continued to spread across America, and various other countries.

Even though I was only 7 years old at the time of the 9/11 attack, I feel confident saying that while it's undeniable 9/11 caused fear and devastation, 9/11 also caused the American people to find a newfound sense of patriotism. This tragedy ignited a spark in the American people. The love and pride to protect our great country became of importance again. Singers and songwriters expressed their feelings about the attack on songs that soon became anthems. We were proud to be Americans.

16 years later, and Americans have moved on from the act of terror that devastated us, but it's 16 years later and Americans seem to be more divided than ever. Our overall sense of Patriotism and love for this great country seems to be plummeting. Our political standpoints, race, and stereotypes have seemed to cause a divide that neither party wants to fix. Pointing the finger, name calling, and slander was something we were taught to not do as children, but have made it okay to do as adults. Countless amounts of people have/continue to dream about coming to the great land of America. The opportunities, diversity, and freedom we are granted as U.S citizens is something we take grossly for-granted. I truly hope that it doesn't take another 9/11 level catastrophe to happen on American soil-to to force us to, once again, find our sense of patriotism. We are supposed to be the "land of the free, home of the brave", but the manner in which many of us treat each other does not seem to go along with this statement. Regardless of our personal and political views- we should all be able to find common ground based on our love, and appreciation to this country.

America is no stranger to war, violence, and controversy. She is also no stranger to peace, prosperity, and advancement. America is constantly growing and changing and we need to grow with her. It shouldn't matter what political party holds office, and it shouldn't matter if you don't agree with your neighbor. The thing that should matter, above all else, is that you're privileged enough to be an American. We shouldn't be able to pick and choose when we stand behind our country- we need to always stand behind our country, and stand there proudly. Doing this means we also stand behind the men and women who protect her, and the men and women who hold office.

On 9/11 19 terrorists set out to destroy America and her people. Those 19 men caused irreversible damage and devastation, and even though they hurt us- they did not break us. As Americans we can not allow ourselves to become so divided that we cause more internal damage to ourselves than those terrorists did. You may not be proud of all Americans or of everything that America does, but it shouldn't waiver your patriotism.

"May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't."- George S. Patton. 

This was said during World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

We live in one of the most powerful and advanced countries in the world. We have religious freedom, the right to vote, and the freedom of speech- while so many other counties are in such poverty that they struggle with providing the simplest necessities to their people, like clean water. Other countries are run by lawless dictators who suppress their people. When put into terms it really shows the ignorance many Americans have when they speak so negatively about this great nation.

At the end of the day democrat, republican, or indifferent we are American's. All of our lives matter, our country is great, but will become greater. I only hope that the remembrance of this tragic day in American history can remind all of us how truly blessed we are that we live in a country that is free. Whether you choose to say it or not we are one nation under GOD, and he will be our light in the darkness. Even with all the hate and evil, we see on a nearly daily basis, we shouldn't allow it to defeat us. There is still good in the world, there is compassion, and love. That is what we should be putting our focus on. It is our responsibility as American people to restore the patriotism and love we have for this great country of ours. It shouldn't take another tragedy to remind us of that.

One Nation Under God with Liberty and Justice For All.