Rami Ungar The Writer

The 9/11 memorial, a tribute to all that was lost…and all that we can build from the ashes.

Many people say they remember where they were when 9/11 happened. I wish I did; I was in the third grade, had a short attention span, and didn’t think of much beyond my own life. Now I see so much more now than when I was eight years old. I see the tragedy of that day, I see the lives lost, and I see that a lot of what this country goes through each day can be traced back to nineteen men who carried out a terrible plan concieved and approved by a man whom the world is better off without.

I like to think some progress has been made since that horrific day. Islamaphobia has been combatted with information of the peaceful nature of actual Islam and with dialogue between Muslims and other groups; our law enforcement and defense agencies are better at dealing with terrorism of all kinds and on all levels; a memorial to those lost has been built, and much of Ground Zero is coming back as well; and with the threat of terrorism recognized, more and more cell leaders are being brought to justice with the passing of time.

However, there’s still much to be done: Islamaphobia, although diminished, still rears its ugly head in this country, and usually finds a medium such as the internet or the news to do it; conspiracy theorists cause endless heartbreak to families and friends of victims by saying that the government, not terrorists, were responsible for 9/11; there has been bickering of a political nature on everything between a new mosque and the 9/11 museum, and sometimes this bickering divides so much it seriously hurts Americans; there are still terrorists out there who hate America and kill for the sake of killing; and there are still those who will find no solace since they lost their loved ones.

Friends, blog readers, countrymen, I ask you to mark this day. Remember it, what has been, what hasn’t been done yet, and what we can do to make sure it gets done. Remember, every single person on this planet has the power to change the world, so take advantage of that ability, and try to remember this day when you go out to change the world.

Have a nice day.