September 11, 2001: Never Forget
As the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks approaches, you might consider starting a new tradition to commemorate the day — a September 11 journal.
Keeping a journal is a way to not only keep the memories alive, but can help you sort out the emotions you may feel about the event. Whether you decide to show it to anyone is up to you; you may decide thirty years from now that you want to share it. You might choose to keep the journal on paper, online, or perhaps create a photo album.
How would you get started?
One way would be to tell about your personal memories of that day. Where were you when you first heard about the Twin Towers? How did the event affect you? Did you know someone who was serving in the armed forces at that time, or served yourself?
September 11th has been memorialized as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Write about ways you have served, or ideas you have about volunteer work you would like to do.
Watch some movies or documentaries about 9/11 and review them in your journal.
There are several museums and memorials dedicated to the victims of the terrorist attacks: the Flight 93 National Memorial, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. If you've visited any of these, share your memories and thoughts. If not, explore the websites and write about your thoughts on what you see.
The Library of Congress's September 11, 2001, documentary project is a collection of audio, video, photos, drawings, and written accounts by eyewitnesses and others. Check out this site and choose something to write about. Perhaps a child's drawing might inspire you to write a poem, or you could turn someone's narrative into a folk song.
- Use the journal to keep track of things you're grateful for.
- How do you feel on the anniversary each year?
- Write about what you would like to be remembered for.
- How do you think September 11 will be commemorated 100 years from now?
- Did any of the stories of heroes or heroic events from that event make an impression on you?
- How do you feel about people from other cultures?
- Do you feel world peace is possible?
- Do you feel that, given the proper circumstances, you have what it takes to be a hero?
At times you may find your journal is filled with sad, depressing thoughts, and may wonder if it's worth the effort, or you may think your entries are too hopeful, or not showing the proper respect. There is no single, “right” way to remember.
Just never forget.