Eight Years Ago...

Hunter Hammond
For the past eight years, efforts have been taken to heal the wounds inflicted upon our nation; memorials have been held, eulogies given, monuments erected, sympathy shared, empathy radiated, and love bestowed. It has been eight years since the planes crashed into the twin towers and the wounds still sting.

In April, a piece of legislation drafted by congress was signed by President Obama to make 9/11 a day of national service and remembrance. This bill indicates that our national leaders believe that 9/11 should never be forgotten; however, this may not be a plausible hope. This is brought into perspective by viewing higher education and the students who are a part of it. For the students presently enrolled in college, the memories of that tragic Tuesday morning are still present; however, upcoming students will not share the same firsthand experience.

U.S. News and World Report and the Gainesville Press published two articles referring to the fact that students will soon be void of any memories pertaining to 9/11. The articles delve into the possibility of forgetting what happened on 9/11. Professors cited in the articles express that it would be difficult trying to impress the importance of 9/11 upon students who did not personally experience what happened.


9/11 is now a national day of service and remembrance; however, many up and coming college students will not know firsthand what truly occurred. U.S. News and World Report goes on to report that courses should be developed to teach middle school and high school students about 9/11 so that they may be able to empathize with students who did witness the tragedy. The program was designed so that student WILL never truly forget 9/11. When these students enter college, it is expected that they are fully aware and informed of what happened on 9/11.