Today marks the 15th anniversary of one of the most horrific terrorist attacks in The United States’ history. When this event occurred I was just 4 years old. Unknowing, and ignorant to the consequences of this terrorist attack.

15 years later, I now know the consequences of this infamous event. The fallout surrounding this event was so drastic that it split the world into two eras. Pre-9/11 and Post-9/11, the former world being that of free movement and ease and the latter being one of tight security and paranoia. When my parents talk about the world pre-9/11 they tell me of how easy it was to get on a plane, how you could run up to the gate and get on your plane with just minutes to spare. Now, you must get to the airport hours before your flight having to factor in the security checkpoints that you must go through.

For Millennials the Post-9/11 world is all that we have known. Terror threats, paranoia, and ignorance dominate our minds as we are constantly on guard and wary of any and all things that could harm us. Muslims today are still treated with a stigma and abhorrence that an average American is triggered by a hijab, or by anyone that speaks Arabic. A man was kicked off of a plane for talking in Arabic to his uncle-mind you he was an Ivy League student. Conservatives complain about liberals needing ‘safe spaces,’ while at the same time going ballistic anytime a Muslim espouses or practices their religion.

This hysteria and paranoia has opened the door to bigots and far right radicals to enter our political system, trying to squash any and all attempts for those of the Muslim faith to practice freely and openly. This Post-9/11 world has become increasingly Orwellian with the passing of the Patriot Act, which has made it easier for the Government to spy on everyday Americans “suspected” of terrorism, when in fact the only thing that they are guilty of is being born with the name: Muhammed(one of the most common names throughout the world).

So on this day of remembrance let us take the time to honor those who died 15 years ago. Let us take the time to embrace our loved ones, and thank those who ran into those collapsing building to save their fellow countrymen from harm. Let us honor those who died in the wars that followed this horrific attack, but let us not become cynical. Do not begin to turn on those who wish to live and take part in the freedom that we all enjoy. Because if we do become cynical and turn on each other, then the terrorists have truly won.

Let us raise our hands in unison and show the world the compassion and love that is within all of us. No matter your race, creed, or religious affiliation, show those who wish to harm us that we are stronger together. You may wish to do us harm, and you may wish to divide us but instead of turning to my brother or sister and spitting in their face, I instead lock arms with them and march on.

“Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.”-Benjamin Franklin

Signed,

Publius