9/11/01 - Ten Years Elapsed

1 World Trade Center

Here we stand on the ten-year anniversary memorializing the September 11th attacks.  We reflect on that day's events and the years that have passed.  We think about our feelings.  Surreal sensations rise up when reminiscing, reliving the day.  We hope to be at a point of healing with the memorials being opened in New York City.  Many Americans feel and display a variety of emotions across different spectra of expression.  I think this all returns to how we were connected to those moments, places, and people.  On this tenth anniversary, Americans recall their every movement, emotion, and reaction when they became glued to the television or radio.
Ten years ago, I was a lowly freshman at college in Philadelphia, only two weeks into classes, just a few months out of high school.  On September 11th, 2001, I woke up and walked to my morning Spanish class.  I knew nothing about what had transpired when class ended.  As I returned to my dorm, I overheard comments and mutterings about a plane crashing into buildings in New York City.  Sensing no real urgency or fear from what I heard, I continued to the dorm and inquired about what was going on from the security desk in the lobby.  All he would say was, "You better check the television and see for yourself."  I went to the lobby couch room where they had a television.  I could not believe my eyes when I saw black smoke billowing out of both towers of the World Trade Center.  Ten years later, I still recall that day as it was just happening.  9/11/01 will be forever etched in my memory and our country's collective memory.
Where do we stand as a nation on 9/11/11?  Are we on the right path in action, in remembrance, or in healing?  Has the blow lessened after a decade?  It will be impossible to forget its place in history.  Will it only be remembered by the generations who lived and witnessed it?  Can the United States ever be whole again?  Will 9/11/01 be a moment of vulnerability or a unifying catalyst?
We, as citizens regardless of our standing, occupation, experience, or political motivation will shape our nation's course in the coming years.  How we move forward will depend on our national dialogue and directly affect the history surrounding this tumultuously tragic and heroic moment.

South Tower Footprint

Photos courtesy of John Mikuljan.