It has been 19 years since America was attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001, this was a day that most of us remember. I still remember where I was and watching the horror on the news programs and the sense of shock that quickly grabbed the world’s attention.
In comparing that day many years ago to now, it is interesting how different America is. Back then everyone was unified and most American’s had a sense of pride in their country. The media did not vilify and divide the country, but provided well researched valuable insights that allowed people to be informed and educated.
It is amazing how things have changed. Although I have lived in Australia for over 25 years, I have never seen America so divided. I have friends that span from the left-wing liberal view to the right-wing conservative view. In the past there were disagreements, but still a sense of unity. Unfortunately, today it feels like things are mostly divided.
Regardless of any political view, I feel today it is best to remember those that were forever impacted by this day. I remember the firefighters that ran into the burning twin towers, the police and medical staff all there to help others who lost their lives. The workers who were just going about their daily lives who would never return. The families who lost their loved ones and had to continue living knowing that a piece of their life would forever be different.
My eldest daughter was born a few weeks later. In her beautiful eyes I could see the hope for the future and my dreams for the world that she would live in. I was thinking beyond 9 September 2001 and thinking about the world that she would live in when she was an adult.
It is up to all of us to step up to be leaders that are compassionate, caring and kind and look for ways to unify, rather than divide. Just like when everyone pulled together to overcome the fear after 9/11 and the devastation of other disasters, if we can work together we can still make the world a better place.
