LETTER: Let’s not forget 9/11

Editor,

As yesterday was the second anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, it is important we reflect on that day that changed our world forever. Some would have that we not dwell on these events. I agree it is important that we focus on the future, and not the past. However, we must always remember that those who ignore the past are doomed to repeat it. It is for this reason that I believe we should remember this day.

The world is a much different place now than on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001. America has been awakened to threats it long faced, but was privileged to ignore. That privilege is gone forever now. The previous administration’s policy of treating terrorism as a secondary problem is no longer an option for the United States of America. We must remember that even today, the United States is still vulnerable to terrorism.

We have had some success in the war on terrorism waged for these last two years. Al Queda has been hunted, and many of its leaders captured. Those that remain are on the run. The United States has rid the world of a tyrannical and dangerous regime in Iraq, which, despite the complaints of those not supportive of our military effort there, has been one of the most successful campaigns in modern military history. It is important that we remember Sept. 11 so that we never forget why our brave soldiers do what they do.

Regimes around the world have seen that the sleeping giant has been awakened. No longer can they play patty cake with demands from the United States that they stop supporting terrorism. America has emerged as the global leader in the fight against terrorism, and this is a role that we must fulfill to the best of our ability. Many nations have rallied to our side in this fight, and they look to us for direction. We must be ready to give this leadership.

Most importantly, we must remember those that gave their lives on that day. We must remember the mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, sons and daughters that died that day because they were hated as Americans. We must remember that those that did this wished to kill as many people as possible, to inflict maximum damage on innocent civilians in a place far away. These people were killed because these targets were symbols of America, the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

Gabriel White