United We Stand

As much as I love history, especially American history, it was difficult for me to come up with one moment that I could label as my favorite. America's history is rich in great moments, from the Emancipation Proclamation and voting rights for women to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the fall of the Berlin Wall. However, America has also had its fair share of horrific moments, such as the burning down of the White House during the War of 1812, the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln and activist Martin Luther King, Jr., the attack on Pearl Harbor, and, more recently, 9/11. The moment I chose as my favorite in history came on the same day as the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The great nation of the United States of America was attacked on September 11, 2001, which is a day I'll never forget. I was in Mrs. Glavin's second grade class. Every TV in the school displayed the news coverage of the attacks, especially the burning twin towers that eventually collapsed. Mrs. Glavin explained to us what had happened, and I was in complete shock. Getting to leave school early that day didn't even suppress my feelings of utter devastation and surprise. I didn't understand how anyone could do such a horrible thing. Nonetheless, America came out strong, which is where my favorite moment of history comes into play.

Hours after the twin towers in New York City had collapsed and the smoke had finally cleared, three New York City firefighters raised the American flag near all the debris. What a powerful statement! Amid the devastation, sadness, and anger the attacks caused, this action of raising the American flag showed that we,  the American people, are one, are strong, and would not let terrorism win. We are the United States of America, and, therefore, united. Although many lives were lost, families became broken, and the whole nation was shaken in a matter of seconds, we still stood. We rose out of the debris because we are the United States of America, the greatest country in the world.