US – A country that respects its own

Yesterday was 9/11 (September 9), the 9th anniversary of the attacks by al-Qaeda on the US. An attack that brought down the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York. The place where the towers were are being built and in addition to commercial centers, a memorial  is part of the design. And as I pass it almost daily on my way to office when in NY, it seems to grow virtually everyday. You can see and get updates on whats happening at:
http://www.wtc.com/

This is the location where a memorial ceremony was held yesterday. And it was amazing. Each and every person who lost their life that day had their name read out. Many of the families of these people, as well as the survivors gathered here to pay homage. The names along with a line about their profession sometimes was read out by the families of the victims of 9/11 and the people involved with creating the new World Trade Center.

The media did its part and most of the channels covered the event live. And across the day paid tribute in their own ways. Most of it extremely nicely and sensitively done. I was impressed especially by the kind of equal homage given to all the victims, rich and poor, powerful and ordinary,  black and white, ... What was even more amazing is the kind of respect and reverence given to the service men in uniform, the firefighters, the police, the armed forces, ... Something that we in India, need to desperately learn.

And this was just 1 service. There were memorial services held all over the country. At the sight of the other attacks, as well as in places which were not directly affected. Most of the VVIP’s, including the President participated in these ceremonies. In fact, to cover more ground, Michelle Obama was at a different ceremony from the one the President attended in Washington DC.

Ordinary homes all over the country put up the America Stars and Stripes, and several had messages, and some had flags with messages. The most common message being “We will never forget”. And it seems like America did what it promised, “... never forget”.

There are several things that I do not agree with as far as the US and its dealings with other nations, but the 1 thing I cannot help but love and respect is its treatment of its people. Its a country that not only refuses to forget a tragedy that took place 9 years ago, but uses the opportunity to honor the victims, whilst bringing together the people of the country. 

And I join the Americans in saying, “God bless America”.