Washington D.C. flags continue to flicker in the wind, (photo taken on the 4th of July of this year).
Reporting and writing about
September 11th is becoming something of a misty question—do we always comment and
discuss the attacks during the anniversary? Of course, we can never forget
those who lost their lives and where we were when we heard about the
attacks…yet, how do we move forward?
During the 10th anniversary
of 9/11, it seemed that every newspaper was covering the anniversary and
telling a story from a different angle, with a unique cover page to depict the
day.
I still remember where I was
on that morning. Sitting in Mrs. Cromartie’s 5th grade class, I was
just easing into a transition point in my life. I think most people can agree
that everything changes in the 5th grade. Cliques start to form.
Bodies start to change. Boy/girl dynamics are in flux. The once 4th
grade boys become the 5th grade guys. I was in the initial stages of
this transition. Then…boom—things changed. In 5th grade the world
became a scary place. The days that followed brought the restriction of
drinking from the water fountain; outside recess was replaced by indoor recess
(which was usually reserved for rainy days).
Growing up in Washington DC
has de-sensitezed me, in some ways, since then. Since, for most of the year, I
call Charleston home, I decided to explore Charleston and find different
people, of all ages, going about their daily lives to hear their thoughts on
9/11.
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| Johana and
David, juniors at CofC I met out near Folly Beach. While sipping
"American Red" pitcher drinks, I asked them what they were thinking in
regards to the anniversary of September 11th. They both said that it was
a time to celebrate America...and boy they were celebrating. Hope they
took caution |
By the end of the day, I found students and young
people at Waterfront Park, Folly Beach, and in shops, WHO all were excited to
share their thoughts on 9/11. In some ways, it seems like this event has weaved
itself into American culture, making its way into films and books. The most
interesting was talking with Spencer, a student at Porter Guad who does not
remember the attacks, and yet he has learned about it through American culture
and in school. I hope that, regardless, we continue to remember 9/11 and the
impact it has had.
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Mariana, 26, said “today is
a day to remember those that have lost loved ones, and those that fought for
America. But, it is also a day to remember the importance of freedom and how
powerful and important it is.”
Johann
and Nathan, Juniors, were found outside a bar near follow beach. They
were not shy to speak about their opinions, nor about their drinks. Each
sat sipping from a pitcher filled with some "American Red" substance.
They said that, while today is a time to reflect, it is not a time to be
sad. For Johann, it is a day to "celebrate America."
Spencer,12, said “we talked
about it in school today, I cannot imagine being alive when that happened. Its
weird. All my older siblings remember it, except for me.”
One
of things that struck me in meeting this kid was the realization that
many kids do not remember 9/11...it is a history topic.
Janie and Blake, seniors at
CofC, both agreed that its important to have a moment of thought and reflection
for 9/11 and what it means.
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