STAFF EDIT: Remember And Educate

Previous generations say they can remember exactly where they were when they learned of the Japanese planes dropping bombs on Pearl Harbor or of the bullet that would take President Kennedy’s life. Today, Boston University students, along with the entire United States, can recall the precise moment when they heard the news that two planes had crashed into the World Trade Center six months ago yesterday. Sept. 11, 2001 is a date that will forever be etched in the American consciousness.

The horrific scenes of the two planes flying dead-on into the two World Trade Center buildings can never be erased from the memories of all those watching in shock early that September morning. Even six months later, though much of the rubble has been cleared from Ground Zero, the pictures of flames, crashing debris and screaming victims remain fresh in American minds.

The tragic events of Sept. 11 have caused the world to stop and think, even locally on the BU campus. Since that fateful day half a year ago, students have spoken up, expressing interest in learning more about the international issues the country now faces. And the more they have learned, the more they have formulated opinions on subjects both global and close to home, including the actions in Afghanistan, new security measures and the teaching of Middle Eastern studies at BU.

With their interest in international issues aroused, students have assumed roles as social critics in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, organizing forums and sending written opinions to The Daily Free Press. These student opinions and desires to learn more about international affairs are important to the reconstruction of the nation, and they have vitally added to the academic milieu on campus.

While BU students came together after the attacks to educate themselves on the issues, the University, as an institution, has remained true to its daily routine. Within hours of the attacks, every BU student had an email from the administration announcing the University’s plans to proceed as usual. Classes were not canceled, and study abroad programs and Washington, D.C., internships were unaffected. For the past six months, the University has kept that promise, doing its part in the country’s efforts to return to normalcy and prevent the victory of the terrorists.

While the return to normal life is necessary to overcome a situation like Sept. 11, it is even more important to keep from forgetting the events of that day. Sunday night, CBS aired a documentary filmed from inside Tower 1 during the attacks, highlighting the bravery of New York City firefighters. The film stirred up similar feelings to those we all experienced six months ago. It was impossible to avoid feeling more pangs of shock as the plains flew directly into those towering structures, despite having seen it repeatedly on news programs since the attacks.

It is encouraging that much of the country can look back on such an emotional event with a more knowledgeable view. However, more time is needed for reflection before a full understanding can be achieved. The wounds are too fresh, and the conflict is far from over. Instead, the film can be used as a tool to help refocus the attention on the country’s responses to the attacks. It is a strong reminder of why American soldiers continue to fight in Afghanistan.

Now is the time to turn the feelings of horror into a feeling of understanding. The University, as with the country, faced a challenge, and students bravely endured. They must continue debating the actions in Afghanistan and provoking discussions about Islamic studies programs at BU. Students, keep up with the events unfolding daily across the globe. The University’s most powerful tool against terrorism, ultimately, is education.