United We Stand, Divided We Fall

In my final research paper for my US History class, I examine the immediate aftermath of September 11th, 2001, and its psychological effects on the people of New York. 9/11 is arguably the most tragic single day in American history as approximately 3000 innocent Americans were killed by the violent and cruel acts of 19 terrorists. The horrific sites of watching the iconic Twin Towers collapse and seeing people jumping to their deaths has and continues to pull the heartstrings of Americans across the nation. There was a great sense of fear that took over the country as citizens were uncertain of what the future had in store for them, and the country as a whole.



Although the events of 9/11 presented the city of New York and the country as a whole with major problems in regards to infrastructure, mental health, and security, we, the citizens of the United States, were able to overcome this tragedy because we stood by each other during this terrible time. As citizens, we put our differences aside and united as one nation. This sense of unity was demonstrated when President George W. Bush threw out the first pitch of the 2001 World Series at Yankee Stadium. Author David Fischer describes the personal impact this moment had on him as an American. He states that "he didn't vote for [President Bush], but at that point my personal feelings about him as a politician were gone. I watched him and he was my representative and I had never felt that way before." The account of Fischer reflects the attitudes of a vast majority of Americans during this time in American history, revealing that we were able to put our political differences aside and unify together as Americans.



Even though these attacks occurred nearly 20 years ago, we can still learn from this time in American history. Today, we live in a country that is divided upon party lines more than it ever has before. Our nation is partisan to the point where we have become obsessed with our political affiliation and that of our peers. We currently live in a nation where the colors red and blue do not go together. It is time to unite once again and become the land of the red, white AND blue. The aftermath of 9/11 shows us that this seemingly impossible task is in fact possible. We don't need bloodshed or a horrific event to happen to unite. If we remain faithful to the foundational principles of freedom and equality that nation was founded upon, we will be able to unify not as Democrats or Republicans, but as American citizens. If we are divided, we will ultimately fall as a country, but when united, we live up to our name as the nation of democracy, liberty, freedom and equality.


Link to video about George W. Bush's First Pitch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxR1tZ08FcI