When the terrorists attacked the USA on September 11, 2001, the world changed. For the first time, over 6,000 lives were lost on American soil, the fault of a foreign organization. We were in shock. We mourned. We became angry. We decided to stand united and fight back.
My heart goes out to the American people. September 11 rocked nations around the globe. Canadians felt the horror, the anger and the need to retaliate. I know that countries all over the globe felt the same waves of horror that was felt all over America that day.
I have seen anti-American protests on TV, which are taking place around the globe. The images of soldiers overseas, throwing tear gas grenades into groups of protesters brought back memories of another time, another anti-war demonstration. This one was in America. It took place at Kent University in Ohio, during the Vietnam War. The National Guard was called in to quell the demonstrations. Unfortunately, thirteen students were seriously injured and four were killed.
I wondered how anyone, either in the 1970’s or today, could be anti-American. America is a great nation. Today she has a great leader. Her symbol, the Eagle, is powerful. Her flag, the Stars and Stripes is beautiful. Many of us, even in Canada, have lived the American Dream. Baseball was THE GAME. Our sons, daughters and grandchildren, so we thought, would grow up in countries where freedom was a right and not a privilege. On September 2001, that all changed.
During all of my life, the Canadian/US border has been the longest undefended border in the world. People have crossed from both countries into the other with very little difficulty. That too has changed. The Canadian/US governments are considering placing armed guards on the border. Today, if you wish to cross the border, you must have a passport and birth certificate if you wish to make the crossing with ease. This saddens me. I’ve always thought of the two countries as one, even though some of our laws are different as are our governments. I’ve always thought of the US people as my sisters and brothers. I still think this way. After all, we are all Americans. But now I am angry – angry that terrorists believe they can hit anywhere in the Free World – strike terror into our hearts and bring us to our knees. Well, we have news for them. We will NOT cower. We will NOT hide. We will NOT bend to terrorist tactics. We WILL stand united to fight terrorism.
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