September 11 is one of the few days a year our country still sets aside to remember the patriotism and courage Americans have displayed for others and their country. It is a day for respect.

        Few people understand what respect is anymore. Last year, Edina High School forgot to even recognize the day. Let me clarify – no one, not one teacher or student or administrator made one comment on the importance of the day. Disgraceful. How can we consider ourselves decent Americans if we can’t even take 5 minutes out of our day to honor (whether that be praying for or reflecting depending on your religious beliefs) the three thousand people that died 14 years ago from today from a horrific terrorist attack against the ideals of our nation?

        Some may say this happened too long ago to continue acknowledging such an event. Time fades the harshness of memory. But let me say, the families who lost members that day still grieve every year. Three thousand people left the earth in the course of a day; if that isn’t worth remembering, I don’t know what is.

        I was three on September 11, 2001. I can’t remember anything. However, I still feel sadness when I hear the story I know by heart . The 9/11 memorial in New York City is one of the few things that have ever made me cry in my life. It changes every true American who walks through it, because it is a long standing tribute to those who should have been be commemorated today.  I shake my head at those who forgot today, who offered no silence. It is unpatriotic and disrespectful. Period.

        EHS did take a new action today and had a long moment of silence lead by principal Dr. Bruce Locklear around 8:45am, the same time the first plane hit the world trade center. It prompted conversation in my class, and although some students were smirking during that moment of silence, for the first time I actually felt proud of my classmates, of my teacher, and of the EHS administrators. EHS took a step in the right direction today.

        These attacks should never be forgotten. All students, whether they were alive or not in 2001, should learn to respect 9/11. It starts with our school, and it starts with our students. So EHS, never forget to remember those that have died so that you can sit in comfortable classrooms and learn. Do not forget the innocent people that died because others hated our country.  Be proud to be American.