9/11 Remembered

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 5^th grade class, I was just easing into a transition point in my life. I think most people can agree that everything changes in the 5^th grade. Cliques start to form. Bodies start to change. Boy/girl dynamics are in flux. The once 4^th grade boys become the 5^th grade guys. I was in the initial stages of this transition. Then…boom—things changed. In 5^th 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.

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.

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.