If you are old enough, the images of 9/11 are forever seared in your memory. You probably remember where you were in that moment of disbelief. I watched in my living room, holding my three-month-old while my two-year-old daughter bounced up and down on the couch. Her joyful laughter juxtaposed the unimaginable grief playing out on my television.
I’ll never forget that day. But in conjunction with the anniversary of 9/11, what I remember the most are the weeks after when our nation collectively prioritized “united” in the United States of America. No one was a stranger, and kindness was felt everywhere. So many American flags swaying proudly and yellow ribbons tied around trees symbolized grief and hope—a nation determined in its freedom despite tragedy and the horror of evil.
I was proud of my country. Proud to be an American citizen. I felt the words of “America the Beautiful” so deeply:
“O beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years, Thine alabaster cities gleam undimmed by human tears!”
But unity began to unravel while more people wanted answers. How could this have happened? Nearly 3,000 people died. There was a clear enemy, but politicians—Right and Left— used the crisis to divide and conquer. Grief turned to anger, while flags and yellow ribbons disappeared. Patriotism was dying a slow death while men and women in uniform went off to battle the evil. More lives were lost.
“Oh, beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife, Who more than self their country love and mercy more than life!”
Twenty years later, how do we fall into the same trap as a nation? On this anniversary of 9/11, how quickly we lose sight of the real enemy under the shadow of a pandemic. Like those planes that tore through buildings, shattering lives, and daring to break apart our freedom at its seams—let’s determine not to let a virus break us apart. Resolve not to allow politicians to divide and conquer and distract from the real enemy.
“America! America! God shed his grace on thee, Till selfish gain no longer strain the banner of the free.”
While my American flag hangs outside my door, I am going to remember September 11, 2001. But I will also hope that we build ourselves up in what has always made us unique. Being united is resolved to hold freedom as the banner and look at our neighbors with kindness despite our differences. We’ll get through this. It takes time. But don’t sacrifice American freedom at the altar of safety that is never guaranteed. Tie that yellow ribbon. Grieve and mourn the loss we feel under a virus that has taken so much from us. But let it be a reminder of the hope of America and what makes us beautiful.
“America! America! God shed his grace on thee and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!”
Jeffrey Harris