This September 11th marks 14 years after the horrific attacks that destroyed the Twin Towers that stood tall on New York City's skyline for three decades. This anniversary, similar to previous years, gives us as a nation time to reflect and remember.
The world lost almost 3,000 individuals to these attacks and more have gotten sick and/or died from the debris from these attacks. The attack sent the world into mourning having over 90 different countries losing citizens. The loss of these individuals and the attack of the United States of America brought Americans together. Not only were the families and friends mourning the loss of these individuals but the country as a whole.
Americans joined together and volunteers from all over the country traveled to these sights of destruction. Even through the shock, hundreds joined together to help begin recovery on the area and also help find the belongings of those lost so families could have some type of closure. The terrorists wanted Americans to crumble, but we did not. We had to show the world that we were strong and, in fact, stronger than ever because we will do whatever is takes to protect and defend our freedom.
In 2002, the idea for the Freedom Tower was proposed and in 2014 the Freedom Tower, now named One World Trade Center, opened to the public. Even more recently, the observation deck opened this past May. The tower has a great significance to it, showing we will prevail. The towers height is 1,776 feet which represents the year America declared its independence. One World Trade Center's memorial and reflecting pools are a great representation that America will always be free no matter who tries to stop us from having that right.
I would highly recommend that everyone go and visit this memorial because the atmosphere allows you to reflect and remember these attacks and remember those who were lost. The reflecting pools are in the exact spot where the Twin Towers once stood and contain the names of those lost engraved around it. Despite the busyness of the city, the pools have a serene essence to them.
Let's always remember to never forget.