Brain Remembers 9/11

14 years is a long time. Long enough for some memories, no matter how bad, to fade a bit. That's why I looked at the pictures today. Images from 9/11 that many people don't want to ever see again. It reminded me of just what the nation went through that day, and how some things have changed. But many haven't.

I was getting ready to do the 8 am news on KHAK that morning when the report of the first plane hitting the twin towers came in. We all thought it was a tragic accident. Then the second plane hit and we realized that America was under attack. The rest of the day is honestly a blur. Constant news updates. Simulcasting national television coverage over the air. I went home around 4 pm that afternoon and just sat in front of the TV, not able to believe what I was seeing.

What came out of 9/11 was a national sense of unity. It didn't matter if you were a Democrat or Republican, black or white, male or female. We were Americans and we were going to bounce back. It's what we do. Neighbors helped neighbors. Blood drives were organized. The lost were mourned, and we vowed to get even.

Flash forward 14 years later and a lot has changed. Some of it for the good. Osama bin Laden is dead. The mastermind of the 9/11 attacks got what he deserved even if it came years later than we all may have wanted. But gone is the civility this nation felt after the attacks. We are a nation divided. By race, ethnicity, political party, sexual preference and income. We can't simply disagree anymore. We have to tear down anyone different. We all wish we could go back and  change the events of that day. But I wouldn't change the sense of togetherness. Sometimes it takes an unspeakable tragedy to bring out our best. I plan on remembering that today as I honor all who lost their lives on that September day.