Introduction
As deep reflections about the national tragedies on September 11, 2001 are being embraced, the story of the hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 emerges.
A group of heroic passengers on the airplane destined to inflict another attack in Washington, DC stood against the terrorist to stop their plan. Several of the passengers united together and put a stop to evil. Moments before launching the strategy that they formulated against the terrorists in mid-air, passenger Todd Beamer was recorded saying
“let’s roll.”
While the passengers and crew members of that flight perished when it crashed into a rural region in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, their sacrifice saved countless lives because they stopped the plan of the terrorists.
A Lesson for Today
Photo by kevin turcios on Unsplash
For some time in the United States following the horror and fear of the September 11th attacks, an unprecedented depth of unity existed in the nation. This spirit of harmony caused love to override hatred, good to overtake evil, and kindness to overshadow anger.
Observing news reports about that sorrowful time in history and hearing the grief-stricken families, co-workers, and friends relive the worse days of their existence serve as a powerful reminder.
- Those who mourned the death of those whom they lost on September 11th had the unconditional love, support, and encouragement of their local and national communities. Citizens from all walks of life rallied around them because they cared.
- The selfless actions of first responders placed their desire to protect and to serve over their safety. They humanized the meaning of empathy and compassion.
- Americans demonstrated to the entire world what it meant to be an American. A new sense of national pride and honor emerged in every sector of life as people loved, cared for, protected, and respected each other.
As we fast forward time 20 years, national adversity has torn the United States to shreds. Here are some of the root causes of the division that currently exists.
- politics
- issues related to the pandemic including adhering to safety mandates
- racism
- police brutality
- economic challenges
- religious manipulation
- school choice
- human rights
- conflict
- global warming
- low student achievement
- social justice and inequality
- the housing crisis
- abortion
- pollution
- unemployment
- healthcare
The only way to heal the wounds that permeate the United States because of these and many other issues is to become unified.
The Final Word
Photo by Andrik Langfield on Unsplash
The welfare of our future generations and our planet depends upon what we will do today to reverse the adverse conditions that have seized the United States. Change can only emerge if we become determined to work together to become authentic agents of change.This is what community engagement represents.
We must develop a sense of commitment to work together to promote a spirit of reconciliation. Peace will manifest when we overwhelm evil with things that reflect pure goodness.
The time has come for people to link arms with one another to embrace a spirit of determination to fight for the integrity of our nation. Our cooperative call to action must be
“let’s roll”!
…
Here is my golden ticket that helps me accomplish my mission.
Dr. Deborah M. Vereen is a retired Teacher and School Administrator. Her website is www.Drdeborahmvereen.com and her YouTube Channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS1DPhBeA29UlybU9jzDkdQ.
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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Photo credit: Aaron Burden on Unsplash