2008 Woodie Awards
Sept. 11 Tragedy Changed Our World
Anthony Leon
Issue date: 8/25/04 Section: OPINIONS
- Page 1 of 1
As we approach the third anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, spirits of the nearly 3,000 victims who died that day are still alive in our hearts. Their courage still shines upon our beautiful country. And we will never forget them.
America was a different country before 9/11. Americans lived in peaceful security. The only bombings we ever saw were broadcast from different countries on CNN. The United States felt immune to such horrific happenings on our own soil.
A lot has changed since that chilling Tuesday morning. Now we wait in long airport lines to take off our shoes and X-ray our baggage. The daily terrorism threat level brings a sense of forboding. We know now that something harmful may occur at any time.
After 9/11, fear consumed the nation. Americans felt another terrorist attack was imminent. People headed to the nearest Home Depot to buy rolls of duct tape, garbage bags, and anything else they could use to ward off a chemical attack, all of which would be useless if a real chemical attack were to occur.
People were even afraid to open their mail. White powder could mean Anthrax, an infectious, usually fatal disease, caused by the bacteria bacillus anthracis. It is transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated animal substances, such as hair.
In late 2001, Anthrax was used as a weapon. Letters containing powdered Anthrax were deliberately spread through the mail, resulting in 22 cases of anthrax infection.
Since 9/11, we have become more suspicious of each other.
There was a time when a backpack left at a mall was thought of as a forgotten item left behind by some forgetful person in a hurry. Now an unaccompanied bag is reason to call in police and bomb-sniffing dogs.
In the past, we knew who our enemies were, where they could be found and what they looked like.
In World War II, the Nazis were one of our enemies. During the Cold War we faced off against the Russians. In the Gulf Wars, we fought the Iraqis.
But today, al-Qaida has terrorist cells in neighborhoods all over the world waiting for the next opportunity to hurt innocent people.
They plot and plan and wait to attack what Americans hold so dear. Our enemy could be anyone, from a bank teller in San Diego to an office manager in Philadelphia.
Even though the United States has increased security at every major monument, event and public building, America is still vulnerable.
Countering terrorism has become our top national security priority.
Where do we go from here? September 11th is now known as Patriot Day. A patriot is a love for one's ancestry, culture or homeland. Derived from the Greek word patris (one's fatherland), the Oxford English dictionary defines a patriot as "one who disinterestedly or self-sacrificingly exerts himself to promote the well-being of his country."
As Americans go forward being a patriot is necessary. Every day should be an opportunity to be patriotic and thankful for the freedoms of this country.
America was a different country before 9/11. Americans lived in peaceful security. The only bombings we ever saw were broadcast from different countries on CNN. The United States felt immune to such horrific happenings on our own soil.
A lot has changed since that chilling Tuesday morning. Now we wait in long airport lines to take off our shoes and X-ray our baggage. The daily terrorism threat level brings a sense of forboding. We know now that something harmful may occur at any time.
After 9/11, fear consumed the nation. Americans felt another terrorist attack was imminent. People headed to the nearest Home Depot to buy rolls of duct tape, garbage bags, and anything else they could use to ward off a chemical attack, all of which would be useless if a real chemical attack were to occur.
People were even afraid to open their mail. White powder could mean Anthrax, an infectious, usually fatal disease, caused by the bacteria bacillus anthracis. It is transmitted to humans through contact with contaminated animal substances, such as hair.
In late 2001, Anthrax was used as a weapon. Letters containing powdered Anthrax were deliberately spread through the mail, resulting in 22 cases of anthrax infection.
Since 9/11, we have become more suspicious of each other.
There was a time when a backpack left at a mall was thought of as a forgotten item left behind by some forgetful person in a hurry. Now an unaccompanied bag is reason to call in police and bomb-sniffing dogs.
In the past, we knew who our enemies were, where they could be found and what they looked like.
In World War II, the Nazis were one of our enemies. During the Cold War we faced off against the Russians. In the Gulf Wars, we fought the Iraqis.
But today, al-Qaida has terrorist cells in neighborhoods all over the world waiting for the next opportunity to hurt innocent people.
They plot and plan and wait to attack what Americans hold so dear. Our enemy could be anyone, from a bank teller in San Diego to an office manager in Philadelphia.
Even though the United States has increased security at every major monument, event and public building, America is still vulnerable.
Countering terrorism has become our top national security priority.
Where do we go from here? September 11th is now known as Patriot Day. A patriot is a love for one's ancestry, culture or homeland. Derived from the Greek word patris (one's fatherland), the Oxford English dictionary defines a patriot as "one who disinterestedly or self-sacrificingly exerts himself to promote the well-being of his country."
As Americans go forward being a patriot is necessary. Every day should be an opportunity to be patriotic and thankful for the freedoms of this country.