Wednesday, September 19, 2001
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Wednesday, September 19, 2001 |
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Don't let this patriotic feeling go away By MICHAEL
BOYLAN The night the U.S. started air strikes against Iraq, I was at a Boston Celtics game with my father. The television consoles by the concession stands, which usually showed game highlights, were tuned to the evening news. People stood and stared, transfixed by the reality that we, as a nation, had gone to war. The National Anthem was sung that night by everyone in the crowd. It was the proudest and most passionate version of the song I had ever heard. I truly felt like an American that night. In the following days and weeks, people put up American flags and tied yellow ribbons around trees. The country stood united against its enemies and for a while the petty problems of day to day life receded into the background. Somewhere along the way, after the Gulf War had ended, the flags came down and people's patriotism ebbed. It was gone for a long time, but it came back last week. When America found out that it had been attacked by terrorists, it came together again. There was sadness and some anger, but most of all, pride in this great nation. America has had to face its foes before and, every time, it has stood up to those challenges and become a stronger and more perfect union. In the past several days, groups have united to pray for those lost in the tragedies. They have worn their red, white and blue, conducted candlelight vigils, observed moments of silence, raised money for the Red Cross and donated blood. We have shown the world our strength and our compassion. I only hope that we can remain so focused and determined. A country united can be a beacon of hope to other nations. A country undivided by political affiliation, religious affiliation, race or gender can achieve any goal put before it. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, this nation sent its young men and women to war. Their duty was to fight for their country, to protect freedom and democracy and to show our enemies that we did not fear them and that we would not go down without a fight. That generation has recently been dubbed the "greatest generation" for their accomplishments both in and after the war. There is always room for improvement and we can become the next "greatest generation" if we can stay united. Never forget the tragic events of last Tuesday. Years down the road when the country has been safe for awhile and the economy is prosperous, don't take down that flag. When you get an inkling to squabble with your neighbor, remember that you came together this week and helped heal this nation's wounds. When you feel lonely or scared, remember this week and know that there is one giant community that loves you and wants to keep everyone inside it safe. Remember that you are an American and nobody will ever be able to take that away from you.
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