I
have often pondered the phrase "We will never forget" and wondered
exactly what we mean when we say that. Those directly involved in the 9-11
attacks will certainly never forget their own struggles for survival. Those who
perished clearly will never be forgotten by their loved ones. As for the rest
of us, what are we saying when we boldly declare that we will never forget? Are
we completely honest when we
do so?
Have we forgotten the unity that so briefly enveloped our country in the attacks' aftermath? Have we forgotten the day when no one cared about Republicans and Democrats, about blacks and whites, about rich and poor, or about gays and straights? Have we forgotten a time when former rivals mixed their tears together and established new bonds of brotherhood? Have we forgotten how grief brought us all under the same banner, with only one title that mattered: that of being American? In September of that fateful year, the first word of that now popular phrase took on new meaning. "We" was no longer used in contrast to "you" or "them"; rather, "we" became an all-encompassing link that surpassed and overcame disagreements and differences, borders and boundaries. "We" became something more than just "you and I." "We" became a symbol of something much greater.
This September 11, as we are reminded of that which we claimed we would never forget, let us remember who "we" are and the ideals that "we" uphold. Let us remember, not passively, but as we actively go about working toward a world without any more days that we'll never have to forget.
Have we forgotten the unity that so briefly enveloped our country in the attacks' aftermath? Have we forgotten the day when no one cared about Republicans and Democrats, about blacks and whites, about rich and poor, or about gays and straights? Have we forgotten a time when former rivals mixed their tears together and established new bonds of brotherhood? Have we forgotten how grief brought us all under the same banner, with only one title that mattered: that of being American? In September of that fateful year, the first word of that now popular phrase took on new meaning. "We" was no longer used in contrast to "you" or "them"; rather, "we" became an all-encompassing link that surpassed and overcame disagreements and differences, borders and boundaries. "We" became something more than just "you and I." "We" became a symbol of something much greater.
This September 11, as we are reminded of that which we claimed we would never forget, let us remember who "we" are and the ideals that "we" uphold. Let us remember, not passively, but as we actively go about working toward a world without any more days that we'll never have to forget.
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