Two Decades From Now

In my unabridged convocation address to the faculty and staff a few weeks back, I began by discussing epochal moments in American History that I have witnessed during my lifetime. The most significant of which leading up to the current pandemic was September 11, 2001. On Friday we will  mark the 19th anniversary of this tragic event in our shared history. Think of that! The students who will be graduating from high school in May of 2021 weren't even alive. If that doesn't surprise you then how about this: A growing number of our faculty and staff members were in elementary school and have limited memories of that day. 

My memories of that day remain vivid. I can remember the stress and anxiety that permeated our communities that day and the collective sigh of relief we all felt when it was finally reported that all remaining airplanes in the United States had safely landed. And the wall to wall news coverage that went on for days without end or interruption (we didn't even have cable television in our home back then). I can also remember the deep patriotism that overcame the country and how difficult it was to purchase an American flag. There was immense pride in our country when President Bush visited ground zero on September 14th, and then returned again on October 30th to throw out the first pitch of game 3 of the world series. 

We will remember, because we promised to #NeverForget. At the same time we remember this awful day, it is important to note that in the intervening [almost] two decades we pulled together as a nation. We adjusted to a new normal, put one foot in front of another and forged ahead. Two decades from now I suspect we'll be able to look back on this challenging moment and be able to say many of the same things.