Attacks a wake-up call for our generation
Generations before us had the Depression, Pearl Harbor and Kennedy's assassination. We have the World Trade Center. Not again will our predecessors ask us to be thankful for what we have and not take it for granted. They won't have to tell stories of how things were or remind us how easy we have it. We now have our own tenacious grip on American history. I don't say that with spite, I say it with newfound righteousness.
Our generation woke up Sept. 11 and found itself thrown into a new American peril. Its aftermath will prove to be today's measure of America. We can no longer take our freedom for granted, for that inherent gift has now been tested on its native soil. It's time for our country to step aside from internal strife and stand shoulder to shoulder to unwaveringly display our resolve to foes.
As one part of the world tests our strength, a larger portion of the world extends their help. Without the support of other nations, our effort could prove futile. We are strong as one, united as many. No one can halt our courageous tread.
Patriotism has taken a new form. The past few weeks have been an extended Fourth of July. Cars, homes, clothing and poles display the nation's colors with renewed appeal. Continue to do so, and understand why.
The list of heroes has lengthened, while the list of Americans has shortened. We will not let the loss of lives be in vain, but in sacrificial valor. We will only fight harder the harsher the threat.
Take the events of recent as a wake-up call to the lives we lead. Only after setting aside some of the usual comforts and security will we be able to regain this lifestyle for the long-term future. Be happy there are those willing to fight for this.
The United States is just that'one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Let these ideals be the foundation for the world's human rights. Humanity deserves the rights of the American public; those who stand in its way will meet a fate equal to their imposition on others.
