Musings: Future generations must remember 9/11
Flowers are left behind on the panel of names of those who died on 9/11 at the memorial Wednesday in Manhattan. Credit: Getty Images/Stephanie Keith
As the sister of firefighter George Cain, killed on Sept. 11, 2001, I appreciate the idea of honoring those taken from us on that day by making 9/11 a national holiday.
We cannot allow future generations to forget what happened on our own land and soil to our own fellow Americans. What concerns me, though, is how do we keep the day honorable and respectful without it becoming another “sales day” for corporate America to cash in on. Since every other day of remembrance has turned into a huge commercial event, can we ever be assured that 9/11 will not be turned into the same circus?
We, the adults, need to teach and talk about that day. The carnage and chaos can never be forgotten. Schools should dedicate time set aside to show videos and remembrances about those who were affected.
Visiting the site and the museum should be part of the school curriculum, especially in New York. Students need to visit firehouses to see the memorials that have been set up, especially the ones hit the hardest with losses.
There are many ways to honor the innocent loved ones stolen from us 23 years ago. But please do not allow it to become another day of greed and consumerism. There are plenty of other days for that.
— Nancy K. Nee, Holbrook
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