It’s been nineteen years since the terrorist attacks on September 11th. I remember that day as vividly as if it was yesterday. The emotions are still as alive. Fear as I saw the second plane plow into the South Tower from my NYC office and heard that the Pentagon had been attacked. Anger at those who would attack a Nation that has given so much to so many, including me, a Cuban refugee. Sorrow at the loss of life. The innocent people whose sole crime was going to work that day. The first responders — police, firefighters, and EMTs — who rushed in to save lives, uncaring of the race, ethnicity, politics, and gender of those lives.
In the days after the attacks, we stood united, neighbor joining with neighbor in mourning the loss. Rebuilding because we are the USA and we may fall, but we always rise.
Nineteen years later, many of my emotions are the same. Anger at the mindless terrorists who continue to take lives throughout the world. Sorrow at the loss of the many first responders since that day, but also at how divided this nation has become. Fear at where we are going as a Nation. Having lost one country that fear is especially powerful because there is nowhere else to go.
Abraham Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself, cannot stand.”
We cannot survive as a Nation if we do not agree to disagree. We must respect that not everyone has the same opinion and that regardless of that opinion they should be free to voice it. Most of all we must stand up to the anarchists trying to tear this country down through violent means. This is the greatest Nation in the world. Those of us who have escaped tyranny and dictators understand just what a gift this country is, as imperfect as it may be at times.
My two cents for all its worth. God bless America.
