Looking Back On 9-11’s 10th Anniversary
By: Jonathan Harris
It’s been 10 years since the most nation changing event in recent American history. All Americans remember where they were and what they were doing during the events of 9-11. We as a people have come far in the past 10 years—farther than the terrorists who perpetuated the events ever could have hoped. The goal of terrorism has always been to control by fear, and that’s just what they’ve done.
We find ourselves in a timid fearful state. Don’t believe me? How often do you go through checkpoints at airports and ballgames, etc. Without even thinking about it? It’s considered normal now. We all get to the airport an hour early. Is this not a cultural fear? You would think that such a fear would drive a resolve against our enemies. Initially it did. Two wars were started (actually one war with two fronts), Americans displays their flags proudly, volunteerism and religious involvement rose considerably. 10 years later what’s the nature of the landscape? A populace that has last sight of the purpose behind our war with orthodox Islam, a media that exalts Islam as a “peaceful religion” and Christianity as dangerous, even homeland security has stated that Tea Party members and Iraq war vets could be potential terrorists. Our culture has been intimidated and subsequently neutered.
As Christians we honor the fallen because It’s our duty and our sacred pledge. Sacrifice has a special meaning to us because of the sacrifice of Christ who gave himself for our salvation. We remember because of the example he gave to us during Holy communion. We value history because of the monuments of Moses. It is our duty, even amidst a culture of fear, folly, and forgetfulness, to remain brave, strong, and always remember the warning we were given 10 years ago. We must go about our daily activities without fear. We must be controlled by our trust in God. And we must not back down from the politically correct notion that our enemies are peaceful. Only then will we honor the fallen of a decade ago.