At 8:46 EDT Sunday morning, the country will fall silent and remember the tragedy that occurred at that same time exactly ten years ago.
As the tenth anniversary of 9/11 draws near, Americans find themselves turning back the clock to recall the event that altered the nation’s history. They remember where they were the moment they learned of the attack. They reflect on the grave footage that covered television screens for weeks after the incident. They remind themselves why the nation is at war. Ten years later, students and faculty in the ACU community will join in as the nation mourns the results of the terrorists’ actions.
“It’ll be our topic of discussion in class on Friday,” said Lauren Lemley, assistant professor of communications. “We’re going to specifically look at 9/11 footage from the day and ways people are remembering now.”
Americans will join together again on Sunday to remember and honor those who lost their lives on that tragic day. All over the country, Americans will hold ceremonies and services. New York City will dedicate the 9/11 Memorial, located over the site of the original Twin Towers, in a ceremony honoring the families of the attack’s victims.
President George W. Bush declared Sept. 11 a national holiday in 2002. On Patriot Day, as we now call it, the nation will fly all American flags at half-staff and will observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m.
Over the years, the traumatic impact of 9/11 has begun to fade in some memories. As the ten-year anniversary looms nearer; however, ACU student Jaymee Myller said the subject will be fresh on her mind.
The North Tower collapsed after burning for 102 minutes. It took only 56 minutes for the South Tower to fall. The heroes on board United Airlines Flight 93 diverted it from its target. The hub of the nation’s Defense Department was defenseless against the onslaught of American Airlines Flight 77. Hundreds of rescue workers willingly ran into the fray to save others, knowing they themselves might not make it out alive.
History books, encyclopedias, Internet sources, films and documentaries now include accounts of the terrorist attacks. History was made from the second the first plane hit the North Tower of the World Trade Center. That moment changed the country.
“I think we were young enough at that point that the change was less dramatic for us” said Myller, sophomore nursing major from Arbada, Colo. “This whole fear of terrorism or this general fear has been part of our growing up.”
Meredith Sellers, sophomore music education major from Waco, said, “I feel like it’s changed the country and made us more unified.”
In the course of a single day, thousands of lives were lost. The attacks on 9/11 impacted the entire country. Although there is only one day a year dedicated to remembering the sacrifice, we must never forget the victims.
