Today is September 11th, a day that our generation remembers as being one of the most influential days in recent history. To us, it’s on par with Pearl Harbor, especially since many of us never experienced the event that entered the U.S. into World War II. One year ago, today, the security that Americans enjoyed was shattered by pointless acts of violence. Those at the helm of the planes, and their unhinged leaders took away the veil of innocence from our eyes. Today, we remember what it felt like, and to some…the feelings are stronger, because the shock we were in has begun to lift. The world today is much different for all of us than it was a year ago.

Today though, is still just September 11th, and although we have our heartstrings tugged by memories that haven’t faded, and probably won’t, we must continue to go about our lives and move on. Our generation’s question isn’t “Where were you when Kennedy was shot?” but rather “Where were you on the morning of Sept. 11, when the first plane hit?”. By now, though images of the wounded buildings still burn in our minds, and the collapse will haunt our nightmares for a long time, we have moved on to thinking of more pressing or trivial things. We as a people are resilient and we heal. We are also optimistic. I know for me, though I though about last year at odd times today, my mind was focused mostly on how bored I was in this class or another, and in trying to kill the wasp that was drunkenly flying about the classroom.

Today in history: 1814, the US is victorious on Lake Champlain, which leads to the conclusion of peace negotiations between Britain and the U.S. and the end of the War of 1812. A very good thing happened on this day, which is now only remembered by a few history majors, or by those who go looking for odd “this day in history” facts. Sometimes, when the media, and our own perverse sense of the overdramatic catch us, we need to stop and realize that though this day changed our lives, it didn’t ruin them—one year ago. We are stronger, more aware of ourselves, and the world we live in, which is a good thing. We are kinder to our neighbors (hopefully) and take time to notice the flowers blooming, which is a good thing. Some say that America finally woke up a year ago today. Well I say, “Good Morning!”