9/11: 10 Years Later

Most Americans remember where they were 10 years ago today when the terrorist attacks rocked our world, but also brought our country closer together. For myself, I was in 4th grade and getting ready for just another day at school when all major news outlets broke the story of the attacks. While being so young may have hurt my understanding of why the attacks happened and other questions that young kids are so eager to ask, it still made me feel like a true American and helped to unite our country even more. It is truly hard to believe that 10 years have passed since that infamous day in 2001. We may have put the thought of the attacks in the back of our mind as time went on, but the scars still remain just as deep for those families who lost on loved ones on September 11, 2001. When you sit down to watch football today, take a moment to remember how blessed we are and remember all of the victims who lost their lives fighting for our safety.

One of the major industries that was affected by 9/11 was the world of sports. Sports are typically seen as something that has an uncanny ability to bring people together, no matter their backgrounds. The attacks on 9/11 only enhanced that ability because at the end of the day, we are still all Americans. Yesterday, I attended the Army-San Diego St. football game with my dad and given that the game involved a military academy, the halftime ceremony was one of the most special that I have ever witnessed. The former mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani spoke during the ceremony and talked about those who lost their lives on 9/11 and how we can continue to honor them as we reach the 10 year anniversary of the attacks. Following the speech, the entire field was covered with an American flag as a moment of silence was held and the crowd began chanting "U.S.A., U.S.A.". Moments like that should be kept close to our hearts as the 10th anniversary of a day when a group of violent-minded people attempted to bomb the greatest country in the world. Little did they know that the attacks would only bring our country closer together. Going back to the ability of sports to bring people together, the patriotic feelings are what make events such as the World Cup and the Olympics so special. Every 2 years, for just a couple weeks, all sports fans can root for the same team, the United States of America.

R.I.P. all victims who lost their lives in the attacks and long live the Red, White and Blue.