9/11 Then and Now: What Changed?
Almost 20 years later, we’ve gone from patriots to violent protesters.
By: Kelli Ballard | September 11, 2020 | 365 Words
Statue of Liberty and Twin Towers (Photo by Brownie HarrisCorbis via Getty Images)
On September 11, 2001, when the Twin Towers went up in flames in a terrorist attack on our own soil, Americans – and the whole world – watched in horror and shock. Nearly 3,000 people died that day and America as we knew it had changed forever. It has been almost 20 years. How have we, as a nation, changed since then?
Patriots Unite
If there is anything positive that can come from the 9/11 attack, it would have to be the way Americans came together to help each other. We cannot forget the heroic efforts of the passengers of Flight 93 who gave up their lives to prevent the terrorists from achieving their goal of more death and destruction. We must also never forget the firefighters and police officers who risked – and sacrificed – their lives to save the victims trapped inside the burning and collapsing buildings.
People came together to offer help in any way they could, whether it was donating food, clothes, and blankets, offering shelter, wrapping a neighbor in comforting arms, or just holding the hand of a stranger devastated by the tragedy. The American people showed just how strong and united they could become when faced with such a dangerous enemy.
Now, nearly 20 years later, we have gone from being patriots to violent protesters. As cities across the nation and the American flag burn, the lessons of Sept. 11, 2001, seem to have been forgotten.
Project Protest and Destroy
Protesting has always been a part of our nation; it is our Constitutional right to peacefully gather and protest against injustice and ideals with which we disagree. However, the year 2020 is different. From the Coronavirus pandemic that put the world on lockdown to the riots that are destroying our cities, this year has been terrible for Americans.
Instead of pulling together in a crisis and helping our fellow Americans during such difficult times, as we did in 2001, civil unrest has divided and weakened us. Americans attacking Americans – violence and destruction instead of banding together. On this day of remembrance, as we honor the fallen heroes and victims of 9/11, we should also look back to who we were as a nation, and hopefully find our way back to respecting God, country, and mankind.
