In so many respects, the Trade Center dead formed a kind of universal parliament, representing sixty-two countries and nearly every ethnic group and religion in the world. There was an ex-hippie stockbroker, the gay Catholic Chaplin of the New York City Fire Department, a Japanese hockey player, an Ecuadoran sous chef, a Barbie Doll collector, a vegetarian calligrapher, a Palestinian accountant….The manifest ways in which they attached to life testified to the Quranic injunction that taking a single life destroys a universe. Al-Qaeda had aimed its attacks at America, but it had struck all of humanity
The Looming Tower ~ Lawrence Wright
New York was quiet. In a city known for its busy streets and honking vehicles, for its shouting and yelling, for its bustle and whir that doesn't stop for anyone or anything, New York was quiet.
It was the silence of a funeral as people mourned the loss of their loved ones and their beloved city. They felt their country fracture and remembered what it stood for. For all its faults, failures, and imperfections, the United States was an icon. It stood for freedom, prosperity, hope, and unity. It was a safe haven that offered a better life. It was a melting pot that welcomed people from every background.
In so many respects, the Trade Center dead formed a kind of universal parliament, representing sixty-two countries and nearly every ethnic group and religion in the world. There was an ex-hippie stockbroker, the gay Catholic Chaplin of the New York City Fire Department, a Japanese hockey player, an Ecuadoran sous chef, a Barbie Doll collector, a vegetarian calligrapher, a Palestinian accountant….The manifest ways in which they attached to life testified to the Quranic injunction that taking a single life destroys a universe. Al-Qaeda had aimed its attacks at America, but it had struck all of humanity
It was a nation united by a set of values more than a massive space of land. Even though it's never been perfect, it stands for ideals to continually aspire and strive towards, even die for so that others can have them.
When anyone of the more than four hundred deceased members of the uniformed services was discovered, there was a special protocol, which was accorded O’Neill. An American flag was draped over his body, and the New York City policeman and firemen who were digging through the rubble stood at attention as his body was carried to the ambulance
The shared trauma and tragedy reminded people of their priorities and the value of other people. Whatever their differences before, they were united by something even greater. They didn't have to agree with the person beside them to feel their pain. They didn't have to know anything about the person lying dead before them to feel their loss. They didn't have to do anything but stand together, hold each other up. "United we stand."
During his interview with Jocko Willink, veteran Drew Meyer said that he would never wish for another 9.11, but he does long for another 9.12. He longs for that solidarity, compassion, and respect everyone had for each other, when they looked around and noticed each other, saw the humanity in the person standing before them.
Good came out of the tragedy of 9.11, but why did it take such a tragedy? Why does it have to get bad before it gets better? Does it really have to?
The man who never kept family pictures in his office placed a photo of his grandson on his trophy wall. “You have been born in the greatest country in the world,” O’Neill wrote to his grandson, in a letter that his brokenhearted son would read at the funeral service. “It is well to learn the ethnic backgrounds of your parents, to love and cherish the ancient folklore. But never, never forget, you are an American first. And millions of Americans before you have fought for your freedom. The Nation holds all the terms of our endearment. Support, defend and honor those whose duty it is to keep it safe”
Photo by Willem-Jan Huisman on Unsplash
Remembering 9/11 Through Milton Glaser's 'I Love New York More Than Ever' SVA Poster: http://courses.sva.edu/features/remembering-911-through-milton-glasers-i-love-new-york-more-than-ever-sva-poster