Today our campus mall was graced with zillions of little paper American flags as part of one of the many “Don’t forget” events on this, the 5th anniversary of the tragedy of September 11th.
While I’m sure that those involved had only the best of intentions, I must confess to being deeply disappointed, as there doesn’t seem to have been a great deal of thought put into what we should remember and why. The collapse of the Towers (and the crash of the other two planes that day) was, without a doubt, a truly profound tragedy. Thousands of people died, people with complex lives and loved ones, yet here their lives are here reduced to little paper flags (apparently one per fatality in the Towers). What’s worse is that there were hundreds of foreign citizens from dozens of countries, making the use of this specifically American symbol particularly unfortunate.
So what are we trying to remember? A body count and a flag?
Might we better remember the lives of those people who died? (The AIDS Quilt would make an excellent model.)
Or the broad diversity of people affected?
Perhaps the day when the U.S. had the sympathy and support of nearly the entire world?
I’m sure we could have done better.
good points. i sat looking out into the mall eating an apple thinking about all those things that day. i also wondered how it is someone could forget 9/11. i am reminded of it every time i take a look at a newpaper or news site. 9/11 and the war in iraq are linked now. connected whether or not we thought they ever were 5 years ago. so we might also mourn the thousands of iraqis who have died (whether or not they needed to ) so we could be protected or for revenge or to make us feel better or some combination!
Thanks for your comments. I really like the idea of sitting out there eating an apple and thinking. I wish more people did such things. I also like your comments about the many Iraqi dead, most of whom had nothing to do with the attacks of September 11th, 2001.
BTW, I actually sent this in as a letter to the editor to the University Register, which printed it on Thursday (14 Sep).
Phi,
More intense than your usual post, and obviously something you fell strongly about. Having it sit at the top of the page all month has caused me to read it several times, and each has been emotional.
I for one hope you have more to say, and more to show us, in coming days.
Phi,
I was drawn back here when I saw this local story. It, of course, reminded me very much of your long ago post.
http://media.www.dailyemerald.com/media/storage/paper859/news/2007/01/23/Video/Students.React.To.The.Iraqi.War.Display-2668636.shtml?sourcedomain=www.dailyemerald.com&MIIHost=media.collegepublisher.com
I need to catch up; but just the skim through your recent posts was a pleasant diversion. The photography is wonderful, as always, and the posts heartfelt.
Glad you are back online, you were missed in this little corner of Oregon.
The Donkey
Great to have you back! It’s been a complex few months, and it’s nice to hear from you again.
What an incredible story, and some really wonderful images. Thanks a ton for the pointer! I find that a much better use of a bunch of little flags.