Pete Moye’
News Button

It is undisputed that the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 were one of the worst that the world has ever seen.

The destruction of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia, and the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in Pennsylvania is an image that sends a blistering shock of apprehension into the hearts of many who remember that day.

But the fact of the matter is, when the events struck, many of our students were merely children and couldn’t fathom the magnitude of the crisis.

Ten years later, we attempt to look back on that dreadful day and, rather than being able to see how much the world has changed, we only remember the events of that morning to now because this is the only thing that we’ve ever known.

This is not to say that the events of 9/11 were insignificant by any means, but the fact of the matter is, if you didn’t live near the area, had family or friends in the area, the tragedy may not have affected you much as it would have if you did.

One thing that the attacks have done is build the importance of knowing American history.

An event that has affected our entire generation and the generation before us will be one read (and recounted) by the next generations and it will be something that they are quizzed on in their American history classes.

Rather than just remembering 9/11 as the day that impacted the country, consider how 9/11 affected your life.

Many college students are struggling to get classes due to budget cuts.

But the budget has been altered due to the country having to fund a war.

Much like the Reggie Bush scandal at the University of Southern California, students who were still in elementary school are being affected by a situation they had no control over.

It is quite possible that the attacks could have had a bigger impact than anyone in this country realizes, but it is up to us, the next generation of this country, to remember how it affects us.

It is important for all of us to remember 9/11, but it needs to be remembered for the right reasons.

And let’s not just stop at remembering the event.

Let’s continue to show gratitude to those in uniform by attending and passing the class that they fight for us to be in.

Rather than skipping your Math 60 class, think about the many soldiers who would have been taking that class but couldn’t because they were overseas protecting our country.