The Real American Dream

September 11th has always been a day of deep self-reflection.  I didn’t know anyone involved in the tragedy and I have never even been to New York.  I had barely turned six years old the day it happened.  I can’t remember much of the world before September 11th, 2001.  I’ll never know what it was like to walk into an airport with minimal security.  I will never know what it was like to not have to worry about such things as terrorism and racism abroad or at home.

What I remember the most about that day was not the news broadcast or the the headlines but the reactions of the people I knew.  I remember my Mom somberly trying to explain to my sister and I what had happened on our way to school.  I remember every teacher at school seemed to be somewhere else, praying for and thinking about instead the people in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.  I knew something bad had happened and could sense something wasn’t right but I was too young to understand its full impact.

I remember the months that followed the attacks more than the actual day itself.  I remember watching President Bush’s address to the American people of comfort and hope for the future and safety of our country.  I remember the news reporters documenting the aftermath of the Twin Towers, showing the effort to save any survivors under the wreckage.  I remember one month after the terrorist attacks as an elementary school letting go hundreds of balloons into the sky in memorial of those who lost their lives in the attacks.  Even as a young kid, I remember the feeling of togetherness the country felt afterwards.  Democrats and Republicans let aside their differences to help heal a wounded nation. People of all backgrounds, races, and cultures, came together as Americans in support of the friends and families of those who lost loved ones.

I find it miraculous that out of something so horrendous and terrible that something positive was able to come of it.  It was during those months following 9/11 that I truly came to understand what it meant to be an American.  That is when I first realized that many things I had in my life I had taken advantage of, such as an education, a stable economy, and a loving family.  That was when I first noticed those in my community, in my family, and in history that have fought, whether in war, in the courtroom, or in their homes, to preserve the freedoms in this country that have allowed me to pursue my goals of receiving an education and of one day creating a safe environment for a family of my own.

Even with hurricanes, continuing acts of terror, political divides, and racism threatening our country, we have no need to abandon the American dream of equal rights and the opportunity for everyone living in our country to gain freedom of oppression and the ability to pursue happiness.  Throughout our history, we have bonded as Americans to fight against social injustice, outside threats, and natural disasters to become stronger as a nation and as a people.  Being American doesn’t mean we are better than other countries, it doesn’t mean we are going to have a perfect carefree life, and it doesn’t even mean that we are going to completely obliterate hatred, war, and conflict; there are no quick fixes.  The real American Dream for me is the ability to make mistakes and to fail without having to give up our hopes and our dreams.  The real American Dream is that anyone from anywhere can overcome the obstacles to their own happiness.  All Americans might not transcend their rags to inherit riches but all Americans should and can become good parents, hardworking individuals, and people who find joy in the circumstances of everyday life while pursuing their lifelong goals that are made possible by the freedoms America provides them.

Each year as September 11 comes, not only do I view it as an opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives on this harrowing day but also to show gratitude for this great country of America. Even with her shortcomings and her flaws, America continues to be a place of hope, of progression, and of opportunity. As a country, we are only 241 years young and have plenty of work to do to overcome prejudice and hate, outside and within our borders.  Sixteen years after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, America stands strong and in position to continue the fight of overcoming her own shortcomings and injustices.  I pray that we may ever stand ready to not only defend her and her tenants of freedom and hope but that we may constantly strive to make our country and our homes a safe and stable place of refuge from the many dangers of the today’s world.