Letter: Sept. 11 doesn’t define a person

Spectrum staffer Megan Harrington wrote in the Sept. 12 issue of The Spectrum that Sept. 11 “changed the lives of Americans forever.”

She and others talk about that day as a defining moment for a generation of young Americans and our nation. I disagree.

As an American, ask yourself: “How has my life changed because of that day?”

Here is my answer. Watching as thousands of my countrymen were murdered had a huge emotional impact, but it did not change my life or define who I am.

Spending one year in Iraq driving truck and dodging roadside bombs changed my life drastically but still does not define who I am.

Having a friend give his life for his country may define him, but not me.

It is the sum of these events and others that defines me as an individual and an American.

Now what defines you? Pick five things and see whether any of them are related to the Sept. 11 attacks or the events that followed.

I’m guessing most readers fail this test.

Does that mean that day wasn’t important or shouldn’t be remembered? Certainly not. It just means that we as Americans are more than one day. We are not superficial. We have a story that includes Sept. 11, but is not dominated by it.

If, on the other hand, that day did change your life, take pride in that fact and don’t allow others to dilute your identity by claiming it for themselves.

P.S. In a separate column, Jakob Migler wrote that, “War kills our fellow human beings, plain and simple.”

I encourage him to find a Holocaust survivor and ask him/her whether World War II should’ve been cancelled because a few thousand Jews weren’t worth the effort.

Your freedom wasn’t free, though I seriously doubt you’ve earned it.

Jesus died so you could go to heaven; but soldiers, sailors, Marines and patriots have died so you could enjoy your time on Earth.

If you appreciate that fact, thank a vet. If not, move to Canada.

Dylan Christopherson
Senior
Mechanical Engineering and History