The Day We Have Forgotten

September 11th is a day that is marked in infamy within U.S. history. This is the largest attack on U.S. soil since Pearl Harbor. Those who were alive to remember the horror of that day become extremely reflective. If you look on social media, then you’ll see a lot of tributes to first responders. Thank the Lord they were there to do their jobs in one of the most trying times our country has seen. People will ask, “Do you remember where you were that day?” You’ll see pictures of the tragedy, and the subsequent memorial museum. You’ll also see people hashtagging #NeverForget.

Given the current state of our nation, I think we’ve forgotten plenty.

Just last week, Nike unveiled their 30th anniversary campaign for their slogan “Just Do It.” Colin Kaepernick narrated the commercial which caused people to go into a frenzy. Why? Kaepernick recognized there is an issue between the black community and policing. He addressed it by kneeling for the National Anthem (a suggestion that came from Green Beret Nate Boyer). People split right down the middle with no sign of a solution in sight.

As seen from New Jersey, smoke hangs over South Manhattan after the collapse of the twin towers of the World Trade Center in a terrorist attack, New York, New York, September 11, 2001.

Why  does that matter? The day 9/11 occurred was one of the few times I’ve seen the collective nation come together in support of one another. Major TV networks literally stopped their regular scheduled programming and aired tributes all day long. Everyone actually supported first responders efforts. That day, in my bubble, race and class didn’t matter. We weren’t arguing about immigration or what constitutes being an American. We were all Americans.  Fast forward to 2018, and we have a polarizing (I’m being nice) President, an administration set on chaos, and a country of people that have followed suit. From our jobs to regular citizens we emphasize our personal bottom line over anything else.

We don’t support each other like we should.  Plain and simple.

I’ve never seen the nation like it is today. We are divided and it’s only become worse as time goes on. It truly hurts my heart. It’s a far cry from September 11, 2001 when we banded together. When we bonded with a stranger over the same hurt. When we let our neighbor cry on our shoulder. When we vowed we would rise again.

We’ve forgotten a great deal since 9/11, and it’s a shame.