For most Americans, it’s likely you recall exactly where you were, what you were doing and what you were thinking when you became aware of the terrorism attacks of Sept. 11, 2011.
It may have taken a while to sink in, but the events of that day brought dramatic changes to our lifestyle. The changes are especially apparent when you live along a U.S. border like we do.
We have seen first-hand how the terrorism of that day have made travel across the border, once a simple stop to visit with federal agents, more inconvenient.
But despite that inconvenience, the relationship between the Borderland communities of International Falls and Fort Frances and their residents have remained strong. Many of us have passports and other documents that make traveling to and from Canada by vehicle or boat possible.
In addition, opportunities to make our community and nation safer came from the 9/11 attacks. U.S. Customs and Border Protection have doubled the number of agents stationed locally. And our local and federal law enforcement agencies now share more information and data, have stepped up emergency management training, and gained valuable resources to help them do their job. Many young people signed up to serve in the military in an effort to end terrorism.
We must also recall the more than 3,000 people who died as a result of 9/11. Many of those people — civilians and emergency responders — died while trying to help others. And we can’t help but recall the bravery shown by regular folks that found themselves in a plane bound to crash into the Pentagon. On that day they became heroes, as they overcame the terrorists, crashing the plane into a field instead.
Ten years later, the vivid images we witnessed on television remain in our minds. And while the shock of the day may have worn a bit, it’s still hard to believe something like that happened on American soil.
The effect of 9/11 for this generation of Americans is similar to that of Pearl Harbor for our parents. Sure, 9/11 created inconvenience, but it brought many of us together and may have strengthened our nation overall.
