On September 11, 2001, I was a third-year student at UC Irvine.
As a recently hired staff member, I had moved into the Middle Earth Housing a week early to prepare the campus for the incoming freshmen moving in that year.
That Tuesday morning, I was eating breakfast in Pippin Dining Commons, where news outlets blaring on the public televisions were reporting about a plane that had crashed into the World Trade Center.
At first, I did not take much of a notice, as the news media had not yet perceived the horrible and hostile nature of this collision.
After breakfast, the Director of Residential Life informed all of the Office Staff to head to the Crystal Cove Auditorium in the Student Center.
It was then that the Housing Director from Mesa Court Housing informed us that the United State had just been attacked.
Right away counselors from the Student Health Center arrived on the scene to comfort anyone whose family may be in danger or in jeopardy.
It was kind of a blur then, although I could feel the fear, the rage, the shock, the despair that began to well up in a number of people. I was really shaken when one of the Residential Life Coordinators began sobbing in the arms of another staff member.
I remember how over the next few days, from President Bush blaring into a megaphone: "The people who did this will be hearing from you," to his brave stance before both chambers of Congress on September 14, to the invasion of Afghanistan.
I remember being angry , along with Rush Limbaugh, when Pat Robertson bluntly, though erroneously, called the 9-11 attacks a judgment from God.
I was furious when Muslims danced in the streets of the West Bank, yet the rage was swept away by the universal mourning of our allies and erstwhile allies across the globe, from the United Kingdom to Japan.
I loved the picture of the beautiful little girl sitting high on her Father's shoulders, waving the American flag, a fascinating cover which graced "Newsweek."
I rejoiced to see the fall of the Taliban, though I regret the kleptocracy that has taken its place at great waste to this nation's blood and treasure.
I supported this nation's invasion into Iraq, believing that the long-standing dictator had colluded with Al-Qaeda. Another ruthless murderer has been properly disposed of in turn. Sadly, we are still asking ourselves: to what purpose and at what cost?
I was also frustrated, too, by this nation's inability to capture the evil mastermind. Now I rejoice that our armed forces caught and killed that wicked creep, without hesitation, mercy, or remorse.
Crises do not define us; 9-11 definitely should not. Our critical response to one crisis on one day in September has shown the world what an exceptional country we are. No matter who hated we may be, our freedom remains ours. No one bu we ourselves can take away the legacy of our capacity to care and secure ourselves. Let us not commemorate the one fiery day of destruction that momentarily jarred us. Let us celebrate ever more the fire that drives this nation and its people, enjoining us to resist the despair and doubt which could have darkened our nation's future.
In the wake of the ten year anniversary of the attacks, I pray that each one of us will lead our lives teaching, promoting, and defending what has made this nation great: our values, our valor, and our valiance in the face of violence against us and our posterity.
God Bless the United States of America!
No comments:
Post a Comment