We all remember where we were when 9/11 occurred; it stays ingrained in my memory since that very day. I was young and at school for the day, when those first two planes hit the World Trade Center towers in New York City.

Information about the attacks was scarce at first, because of miscommunication, outrage, and horror. Teachers tried to shield our young minds from any information, and parents were baffled as to how to approach their children with the news.

At the time, all that my little mind could process is that bad people called "terrorists" were trying to hurt the people living in my great country.

I ended up learning that this tragic attack killed almost 3,000 people and injured over 6,000 more.

The World Trade Center attacks hit very close to home for me. I lived in New Jersey and knew the "Big Apple" was right across the river from where I lived. Many of my friend's parents, aunts, and uncles worked in the city at that time, and knowing that they had little to no communication with their family during this time was horrific.

For as long as I can remember, our country has been at war, because America has been at war the majority of my lifetime. Growing up during a time of terrorist attacks and constant war is disheartening.

These attacks and the continuing conflict known as the War on Terror changed all of us drastically. Many of us live in fear every day, worrying about the possibility of another attack on our soil. That number adds up to four million Americans, who have experienced heightened fear and anxiety levels after 9/11. Not all of us have the mindset and strength of a superhero called the American soldier, whom I give the utmost respect to.

The recent gun and hate related crimes in America can instill in us the same devastation and fear as the 9/11 terrorist attacks once did. The news channels seem to broadcast a new horrific and deadly attack on human life daily, as our country grows more separated and violent.

Terrorism is not always about race or religion, it is about hate and power. The countries we have been battling against are based off of hate, and even though our beautiful country has seemed divided recently, that does not mean we are a country of hate. We are not like them.

We as Americans teach our children right from wrong, not the right and wrong way to shoot a gun. We do not want to harm others. We want to protect ourselves and our country.

Whether or not you believe in the current conflict, have admiration and respect for the thousands of brave men and women serving in our great military overseas. Because they are the ones keeping all of us safe tonight.

We are Americans, and we are strong.