When I first came to USM a year ago, I saw seven or eight flags billowing at the Flag Center going west on Route 25 and didn’t take much notice. Nothing specific came to mind except, “Wow, that middle flag is huuuge!” One year later, flags are strewn across campus, as well as all over our nation and they symbolize much more than I had ever actually realized.
If you haven’t heard of September 11, 2001, I don’t know where you are from and would be confused as to why you’re reading this article. That day last year proved to be the most devastating terrorist attack on the United States in its history. The World Trade Center in New York City was destroyed, half of the Pentagon was crushed and tens of thousands of innocent civilians were killed because of a clash of beliefs. Americans rose to the challenge and pulled through with tears in their eyes.
One year later, the definition of ‘American’ has changed. One year later, we remember a year of tumult and emotional struggle. In one year, we have had an experience that will never be forgotten. In one year, I don’t think I’ve ever heard Lee Greenwood’s “Proud To Be an American” so many times.
But our generation has, in a way, banded together with something that everyone can relate to. While interviewing some of USM’s finest, I gathered insight on a student’s perception. Like most people, those I interviewed were simply amazed that something of this magnitude could happen to us. Many thought it was a joke or a hoax at first, not believing it to be real for even a week or so. Eventually, eyes were opened and many took part in the growing sense of unity.
The following months were uneasy, tense and fearful for most. Threats of more attacks preyed on everyone’s mind. Despite the concerns, students kept going to class and living their lives. Sports events continued and student organizations persevered. This is not to say students didn’t care or weren’t affected. But we muscled through, and we all but adopted a phrase that acted as a creed for not only students, but people across our country. The exact wording varied but the sentiment was consistent: “If we change our behavior and stop doing what we normally do and love to do, than the terrorists will have won.” This statement proved to be almost a challenge to all Americans to continue at a normal pace.
While there did not seem to be a huge change in lifestyle among students polled, the most common difference from before the attacks was a change in point of view. Many said that the United States seemed more empathetic and accepting of contrasting beliefs. After all, that’s what began the whole thing, isn’t it?