So, I Was Thinking

About 9/11

Though I was only 3 years old when it happened, I can tell you that even at my age I knew something was wrong.

And it was very scary.

Though I live all the way across the country in Oregon, watching it all happen on the news was one of the most eye-opening things in my early childhood.

And it was definitely terrifying.

The fact that you don't have to be American to feel so something terrible towards "9/11" is a point all on its own.

And the impact it had on this whole country that isn't suppose to be scared or weakened in such a way was the scariest part.

On September 11th, 2001, Americans learned the reality of the "outside". After living in our own world, not thinking anything could ever hurt us or not pay much attention to the outside world.

And I think that besides all the deaths and the result of the attack itself, that's what impacted Americans the most.

So, to say that Americans are afraid of and live in a but of fear of more attacks is probably true. But if you would've seen the horror on your parents' faces or neighbors, wondering if we were next or if their children would be okay to go out to school the next day, then you would've understood the real fear the whole country felt.

A large country full of optimism and the ideals that everyone is free and we are safe in our homeland.

It was a real impact.

And if you still don't think so, then I respect your opinion.

But do know that every American you mention 9/11 to, whether they witnessed it or not, feels a lurch of fear in the pit of their stomach, and a sense of exposure in the back of their mind.

And that's why we can never forget it.

In memory of all those lives that were lost as a result of the terrorist attacks in New York on September 11th, 2001.