CLUB W: 9-11 is bittersweet remembrance for students years ago
By Michael Yates
MHS student reporter
It goes without saying that the attacks made against this country one year ago have undoubtedly, changed our lives forever. Not unlike Pearl Harbor or the Kennedy assassination, this event has made history, and will be noted in every textbook from this day forth.
It will take its place among those major events noted by future students of Marion High School. The question remains: how are students today handling the emotional stress still being felt from 9-11, one year after the brutal attacks?
Many Americans are commemorating the anniversary by proudly flying their flags, wearing pins, and wearing a profuse amount of red, white, and blue. And while many MHS students are no exception, observing the day by wearing patriotic colors, many students question whether retaliation by the U.S. was justified.
"The U.S. is taking the wrong approach to correcting this tragedy. Didn't Bush listen to his mother, or did she never tell him that two wrongs do not make a right?" asked senior Ive Eddy.
Junior Savannah Killough tends to agree saying: "We just went for retaliation."
In fact, many high school students see America's reaction to the 9-11 tragedy not as "justice," but "revenge."
Some adults would blame these ideas on the radical thoughts teenagers seem to have, but many teenagers would think it is more important to make decisions based on what is right over making decisions based only on what is popular.
To observe the one-year anniversary, students assembled in front of the high school Wednesday to hear classmates talk about their views.
Students Megan Whitaker, Ashley Secrest, Misty Richmond, and Krystal Williams shared their feelings about the event. MHS Singers led the student body in singing patriotic songs to conclude the program. Students were then dismissed for the rest of the day.
"Unless this is addressed every year they will forget it," said Chelsea Arnhold, sophomore.
A question that seems to be a common link in the minds of today's teenagers is "Will people remember?"
Shortly after the attacks, the American flag was prominently displayed everywhere. In fact, those who attended last year's Art In The Park could not help but notice just how many stars and stripes appeared in the art of the crafters who attended the show.
The artists were not necessarily "cashing in" on the disaster, but rather providing the public with what was in high demand. Anything even slightly patriotic was displayed to show pride in such difficult times.
As the months passed, fewer flags were shown waving on street corners. Many ask if the pain felt from this threat to freedom also will subside.
"I think it will be remembered in the same way as all other tragedies, some will mourn and some will go on with their lives," said Ashlee Moore, senior.
