Written by Kristin Larmore, Relate Intern
In some respects, we all know how it felt to watch those monstrous towers fall to rubble out of the clear blue sky on what we thought was a normal day. Though it can’t compare to the pain felt by the 2,700 victims, their families and those present at the unbelievably devastating scene, the entire event certainly brings all of us together under a common bond.
It makes us appreciate what we have, especially the gift of America.
It makes us more aware of what’s going on around us, of the dangers of this world and the real threats we face.
And most significantly, it inspires us to help others in need, no matter who they are. We’ve realized it’s time to stick together.
Think about how many people reached out that day, how many lent a hand to an individual they had never met before in their life. Someone was in peril, and reflex kicked in; save as many lives as possible, help as many people as possible. And that’s the mentality we should be living each and every day. That is what giving is all about. It’s not about the number of hours, the sheet of paper we signed off on saying we “served our time.” Its not even about the feeling we get after doing it, though that is always nice (and a plus.)
It’s about making someone else’s day, no matter how much we enjoyed it. It’s about making a sincere effort to put ourselves in another’s situation; not just for an hour, not just for a day, but for always. The minute we forget about others might be the minute we stop volunteering.
Even after eight years…what seems like far less because it’s still so fresh on the mind, on the heart…news stations are still honoring 9/11 with in-depth coverage and interviews of witnesses. New photos from that fateful day are still surfacing across the country. We haven’t forgotten the feeling of volunteerism we felt…and we hopefully never will.
This morning, Fox News announced schools are starting to implement a 9/11 program in their curriculum, which will serve to educate students on the realities, consequences and background of that day. It will even show them some very real pictures they probably haven’t seen before, likely to affect them to the core. Imagine that: a class/session specifically centered around patriotism, social and political understanding and volunteerism. That’s such a crucial thing, especially for teens in this day and age who probably hadn’t even hit double digits yet when they heard the news on the television set or from their teacher.
Can you remember how it felt or how you reacted to September 11, 2001? Share those thoughts with us.
What can we do in our own communities to continue to spread the word to younger generations?
