Overcoming adversity
10 years later — A younger generation is ready to answer the call. Cartoon by Phillip Andrews
Reflecting on the lasting effects of Sept. 11, 2001
Taking a moment of silence, remembering those who lost their lives or even thanking those who are still fighting for our freedom is not enough. We must never give up — never back down in the face of adversity.
Millions of eyes and hearts gripped the edge of reality as the blackened sky and debris on the streets of New York City marked one of the most devastating moments in American history.
“No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory,” President Franklin Roosevelt said in his speech to Congress after the Pearl Harbor attack.
Sept. 11, 2001 was no different.
The World Trade Center attacks caused damage to our people and destruction to two of our major cities, but as President George W. Bush said in his speech to Congress on Sept. 20, 2001, “Tonight we are a country awakened to danger, and called to defend freedom.”
After 10 long years, America has yet to back down from that fight for freedom.
We have stripped a terrorist group of a leader who pledged to bring America to its knees. Economic crisis stares back at us like the barrel of a gun, yet the American people hold their ground. The war on terror has yet to come to an end.
Still, we struggle. Still, we never back down.
The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which are all from God, speak volumes to how our country has strengthened in these hard times.
Remembrance of that day may have become cobwebbed and dusty. College papers need to be written, social life takes up more time than it should and the cup of life is filled too high to fit much more in. Still, when the day nears and words of Sept. 11, 2001 fill the air, the vivid image of where you were, who you were with and how you felt wells up in your heart.
Just remember that 10 years ago, those children who witnessed the “religious attacks” are now grown and fighting for our country. The younger generation is also beginning to walk in their mother and father’s footsteps, proud to stand up for their country and fight.