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September 11, 2002
Youth reflect on 9/11: A day we'll always remember
By Frank Evans
A day in September, we'll always remember": For the upcoming anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Holy Family High School students in Steve Blair's government class reflected on the tragedy. The assignment was to share their thoughts and feelings about how that day changed their lives.
Disbelief, shock, a sense of vulnerability and the preciousness of life were their first reactions. And they were changed. Students spoke of growing closer to family and friends, of experiencing renewed pride in their country and of developing an interest in world events. Today, they continue to pray for our nation and for the victims.
"These acts of terrorism were meant to divide and weaken the people, however, America has entered into the struggle of preserving our national values with renewed energy, passion and resolve," said Stephanie Southard.
Angelo Pereyra said, "People are respecting life more because they know how quickly it can be taken away."
Stephanie Martinez said her first reaction was shock. But the event caused her family to grow closer. "We never used to eat a dinner together at the same time," she said. "But now we make an effort to meet somewhere or be home at the same time. I also think that I am a little more attentive to the news and know what's going on in our world."
She now reads more about the Middle East.
"I had no idea that they hated us so bad," Martinez said.
David Newell recalled that he was about to leave for school "when my grandfather turned on the Today Show and we saw the first tower burning.
"We watched it in a state of shock. Later, when I got to school, I heard that the second tower was hit and both fell down with a loss of 6,000 lives (later corrected to nearly 3,000). I realized how precious life could be."
Albert Castillo experienced vulnerability.
"Following 9/11, I became more aware of the ever present danger of attack," Castillo. "I also became more interested in politics and world issues. A sense of patriotism overwhelmed me and I felt the need to show more signs of outward affection towards those close to me."
Steve Duvall found new pride in the rescuers.
"More than ever I have a strong sense of country pride, due to the courage of our firefighters, medics, clergy, police and military personnel who risked their lives on Sept. 11."
The attack changed how Jessica Boselli saw the safety of the United States.
"For me, 9/11 changed my views on how safe we really are in America," Boselli said. "I never really thought war could happen in America. I always hear about terrorism in the Middle East, but I never thought it would happen here.
"I've never had to worry about my safety or the safety of my family," she said. "Sept. 11 made me think, 'How safe is America from the terrorists?'"
Disbelief was Megan McReynolds' first reaction.
"I came to the conclusion that I just needed to be thankful for everything I have and cherish life's blessings," she said. "I have tried to keep in touch with my family and friends more than I used to because you never know when they can be taken away from you."
Sometime following the attack, McReynolds and her family visited the World Trade Center site and viewed the empty space the destruction left.
"Ground zero was so devastating," she said. "I remember walking in the city, hearing the loudness of New York and all its people. Then, when I walked on the bridge to see ground zero, it is silent. There is this quiet and eerie feeling about.
"There are no words to describe how many emotions and thoughts there were going through my head at the time," she said. "I pray for all those who have lost family members in this tragedy."
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