Eight years later

Take this day to remember those lives tragically lost, and what makes us strong

2,922 days ago the Twin Towers crashed, changing the reality of war and terrorism for our generation. It feels like yesterday.

Eight years since we went from a generation ignorant to the true meaning of patriotism, to one whose lives would be incomplete without it.

We can’t believe it’s been that long.

Since that time we have entered a war, elected our first black President and slid into the worst recession in recent decades.

But it is those hours after 8:45 a.m. – when the first plane hit – that color our perception of what is means to be an American.

In memory of this day, talk. Talk to friends, talk to your family, but most of all, talk to those who don’t remember. It is now our job to teach the next generation the lessons learned from that day.

At the same time, take this day to plan what you would do if another attack occurred.

Do you have a way to contact those close to you, even if phone lines are down? Do you know of someplace you could go if Athens could no longer be your home? Could you leave for a week with nothing but the contents of your car?

Take a few moments today to create a plan for the worst.

In doing this, you will highlight one of the things that makes this country so strong: we are able to take a horrible point in our history and turn it into a positive outlook.

Because of that day, many young men and women have stepped up to serve. Because of that day, many people began to look at the freedoms our country guarantees.

And because of that day, we are a generation of patriotic youth, willing to stand up for what we believe.

- Caitlin Byrnes for the editorial board