Lessons of the Aftermath of 9/11

(from TWAY Contributor Kara Kennedy)

Eight years ago as I sat at my desk at the National Headquarters of the American Red Cross watching television news live coverage of the twin towers being hit by airplanes and then crumble to the ground in New York. Little did I know that in a few short minutes later another plane would crash into the Pentagon just across the Potomac.

It’s the aftermath of 9/11 I want to concentrate on now. We all as a nation were shocked beyond belief that such a horrific event would happen in our day and time. But what came after the attack was truly extraordinary by anyone’s account.

After the attack you had scores of people donating money to help the victims and their families, billions of dollars were given. People came out in droves to donate blood, lining up around the corner of the Red Cross offices in DC and at offices all around the country. People were more somber, friendly, empathic, and sympathetic to each other and the first responders were hailed heroes.

We came together as a nation to fight those who attacked us so viciously and to help those in need. We respected each other. We were united. I wonder now as we reflect on the eighth anniversary of these attacks, where has all of unity and respect have gone.

Since 9/11 we have seen devastation with disasters such as hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Since 9/11 we have seen a financial crisis and since 9/11 we have seen a historic election. But also since 9/11 we have seen a nation further divided politically to the point that disrespect is now the norm. Instead of finding ways to work together, there seems to be those who want to further divide us. We see volatile language, violent threats against those who don’t always agree with another’s point of view. I ask for what reason?

The lessons of 9/11 are that people can be compassionate, considerate, helpful, serving, sympathetic and empathic towards those who are the same, different than you or I. If nothing else, we should at least remember the cardinal rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

We should not let the lessons of that day fade over the horizon with each passing year. Instead, we should be coming together as a nation just like we did on September 12, 2001 to find ways to work together for the betterment of our nation and its people, so that those who lost their life that day did not do so in vain.

“Life is very short and there is no time for fussing and fighting my friend. We can work it out.”~The Beatles.

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