American Determined

America Determined

            On September 11, 2001, America was ripped from her slumber.  She rubbed her eyes groggily as she rose from her bed.  She looked around with amazement at the smoke and rubble of the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

            A tear streamed down her face as she realized the casualties that had occurred.  She knelt and embraced those who suffered and felt fear.  She offered her eternal love and support for those who lost their lives and those who grieved.  She felt an outpouring of emotion for their sorrow and pain.  Her calm demeanor offered strength and determination in the rescue efforts to save the fallen.

            America had an outpouring of love for her countrymen, but an ember of anger had come alight.  As the smoke cleared, and the terror diminished, America looked around her seeking out the monsters that were behind this evil act.  The ember became a flame, burning ever brighter; that flame became an inferno burning hotter still, seeking justice for the wrong that had been done.  America was determined that whoever had done this would pay the price for murdering the innocent.  She was asleep no more and her memories came flooding back.

            Men paid the ultimate sacrifice during the pangs of her labor, and felt an immense pride as she was born.  America was a fledgling in the beginning, but she had a passion and spirit that rallied many to her cause.  Her fellow citizens supported her and raised her up.  As she took her first tentative steps, she became a bright flame that offered hope to the lost. 

            America reveled in her independence.  Her steps became more confident with each passing year and she held her head higher as she learned her purpose.  America grew older and more experienced and was a fledgling no more.  She soared with the eagles and relished in her might.

            America remembered her battles to protect freedom throughout the world.  She would forever embrace the men who gave their lives while fighting for her cause.  She remembered, with pride, her history of standing for the right in an often chaotic world.  All of these memories washed over her as she recalled her past, and the roads she had traveled on, to reach such lofty values of greatness, compassion, courage, love of country, and pride.  America came to represent true freedom and the wondrous goals that can be reached in such a society.

            The world around America had shifted, sides had changed, and her great cause was once again threatened.  Her ire of the wrongs done was deep.  She would find the villains and bring them to justice.  With calm determination, America took her position and called her citizens to her side.  Together they would fight the good fight and not cease until freedom was properly defended.

            The attack on America was unprovoked on that fateful day five years ago.  That day we rose as a nation to the challenges that were laid down before us.  We must remember where were on that day and reflect on what America signifies to the rest of the world

            As President Bush said to the speech before the Joint Session of Congress on September 20, 2001, “Americans have known surprise attacks, but never before on thousands of civilians.  All of this was brought upon us on a single day – and night fell on a different world, a world where freedom itself is under attack.”  (Bush, George W., Presidential address before Joint Session of Congress, 20 Sep. 2001).

            The war on terrorism began when Osama bin Laden attacked our country.  It continues to this day and will continue for the foreseeable future.  As Bush further stated, “… Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there.  It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped, and defeated.  America should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign, unlike any other we have ever seen… and we will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism… Freedom and fear are at war.  The advance of human freedom – the great achievement of our time now depends on us.  Our nation – this generation – we will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future.  We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage.  We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.”  (Bush, George W., Presidential address before Joint Session of Congress, 20 Sep. 2001).

            We have done amazing things in the past five years since the War on Terror began.  Freedom has been brought to portions of the Middle East that have never tasted it before.  The citizens of Afghanistan and Iraq now have freedom thanks to our efforts.  Our soldiers have sacrificed, but it was not needless or in vain.  The journey is far from over, but that first taste of freedom has laid the foundations for future generations to truly know what it means to live in peace and to experience freedom from fear of terrorists.

            While addressing the United States on November 11, 2001, President Bush said, “We have a chance to write the story of our times, a story of courage defeating cruelty and light overcoming darkness.  This calling is worth any life.”  (Tokipona, We will defend ourselves, 2001).

            We, as Americans, have a duty to ourselves, our neighbors and our country.  We must remember September 11, 2001.  We must remember how we felt; the sorrow and anger, as well as the love, compassion, and support for those around us.  In our darkest, most dire hours, we were proud to be Americans and demonstrated the selfless love and heroism that resides in each and every one of us and makes our country truly great.  We have an opportunity to be the greatest generation of our times. 

      Now is the time to stand.  It is the time to believe in the greater good, and a time to fight for our county    and the values it stands for.  As George Washington once said, “Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.”  (Benedetto, R.  Bush invokes spirit of George Washinton in plea on Iraq, 8 Jul. 2005).  At this five year anniversary, we must continue to be vigilant of the greatness that makes America determined to finish the tasks laid before us and continue to honor those who lost their lives on that fateful day.  We are Americans and, above all, we should embody and personify the values that make us the greatest country in the world.  We must never forget September 11, 2001.