Patriotism in America After September 11th
Patriotism in America After September 11th
It was September 11. Nothing exciting was happening. School was already boring by now. I had just arrived in homeroom when I heard a sound that was frightening. Was it sirens? No, it was just the TV. I didn’t pay much attention at first but after I got settled I looked to see a plane flying into a building. I was shocked. A thousand questions began to run through my head-where was this located?, was it ORNL where my Dad works?, or was it an accident? - while at the same time trying to focus on what the reporters were saying. We all know what was unfolding in the next few minutes, the United States of America was attacked by cowards in hopes of destroying the security of our country. Looking back on the morning, how was I supposed to know that these events would change our lives and that of our country? I mean we have all seen pictures of wars on TV but it was always in another country. I never expected for war to be within the United States and for our lives to be in danger.
Patriotism is a word I have heard all my life but to me it always meant getting a cute red, white and blue shirt for the fourth of July celebrations or going to the Veterans Day Parade or hearing the old war stories my Granddaddy often tells. To be patriotic had always been to stand respectful during the playing of our national anthem before sporting events or saying the pledge. How differently would I look on what being truly patriotic really meant as the days and weeks began to unfold. Webster defines patriotism as love and loyal support devoted to one’s country. These are only words until you see first hand men and women that are willing to risk their lives to save a stranger. It is an emotion that causes you to act upon a feeling or a thought without considering the danger to yourself in a certain situation. The examples of this have been many from the four planes that were hijacked to the men and women who have left their families to go overseas to fight this war and maintain our safety from...