Understanding the state of our nation

Monday marked the six-month anniversary of the September 11th attacks on our nation. For Americans, this anniversary marks a day of terror that will never be forgotten. And though the images of that day do still remain prominent among our thoughts, it seems that some of the effects of it have become an afterthought as we get on with our busy lives.

The facts are simple: We are at war. The consequences of this war will have an unfathomable effect on our generation.

How many times a day do you really stop to think about that? I know
that I disregard it far too often. President Bush has urged us time and again to get on with our lives. But have we taken that command a little too far? Sure, I watch the news like everyone else, and I stay in tune with what is going on. But do I really take it in? So many times we get caught up in the daily grind and forget that there is a world outside of GC&SU or Milledgeville or even Georgia.

I am as guilty of this as anyone.

So many times I stress out about a test or maybe an argument with a friend, forgetting about the greater picture. When you take the time to think about that picture, life’s other problems start to seem kind of minute.

Just six months ago, Americans were in great fear for their lives. Though we do have to get on with our lives, it is important for us to remember that the future is never promised. We must live for now and make a meaningful investment in today.

By no means am I saying that we should wallow in the tragedies of war or use it as an excuse to neglect our responsibilities. I am simply saying that we should remember that it is a very real thing. Even though it isn’t happening right under our noses, it is happening all the same.

So I challenge the students of GC&SU in the next few weeks to really think about the state of our nation, but more importantly, to think about the people of our nation. When you see a fallen soldier on television, take the time to think that that is someone’s son, or sister, or their friend. These are real people. And they’re fighting for you. Even more importantly, when you pass someone on the street, take the time to think that he or she is a fellow American. We’re all on the same team here. No matter how different our paths may be, we are bound by the common thread of freedom. After all, isn’t that what we’re fighting for?

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Mar 15 2002. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry