This 10th anniversary remembrance of the Sept. 11 attacks is nearly two months old. The bitter trip down memory lane took the nation on an emotional roller coaster.
The solemn ceremonies that were held in churches, synagogues, football stadiums and on baseball fields, gave Americans time to reflect on the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11, they once again gave way to a new surge of patriotism. This was felt not just by veterans, police officers, fire fighters, or the “older generation”, but by American of all ages.
As I watched Northwestern University’s stirring pregame ceremonies before its game against Eastern Illinois University or those held before the White Sox – Cleveland game, something rattled through my head.
It wasn’t God Bless America, or hatred toward any one group, it was part of John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address.
During his speech, Kennedy said “Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage…”
Those words from more than five decades ago ring true more than ever. The torch has been passed, perhaps once again, to a new generation. A different time, but similar time.
An unpopular war, domestic struggles, a young dynamic, and somewhat tarnished image abroad. There is a difference, however. The Kennedy generation did not have the devastating emotional impact of an attack on American soil.
This generation, seemingly nonpolitical as the previous ones, is now faced with receiving the torch that it has been passed to. So what happens now?
With the campaign for the November 2012 elections seemingly underway, President Obama will once again reach out to the “younger generation” to garner support. But then what?
Much like the “younger generation” flocked to Kennedy, today’s “younger generation” will flock to Obama.
That, however, is where the similarities may end. Previous “younger generations” took the lead from dynamic presidents and became active to facilitate change or embraced the need to help the poor, the needy, the struggling.
Even generations before us, which tom Brokaw has dubbed “The Greatest Generation” responded. Since Kennedy, the closest I’ve seen to a generation rolling up its sleeves was during the Clinton years. But now what?
Obama can give loan relief to students, bring troops home – but if he, and the proverbial “younger generation” want to make an impact, they need to keep the torch burning and develop more than a me-first attitude.
The remembrance of the Sept. 11 should be a constant reminder of American pride and spirit – not an annual reminder.
Filed under: Uncategorized
Tags: heroes, John Kennedy, Obama, Sept. 11
