As I am sitting down to write this column, I have just made it back from what is one of the province's annual rituals, the Labour Day game. Fresh in my mind is the commodore found on the practice field before what was anticipated to be the return of the team from a season of struggles. Fresh in my mind is the green and white panoramic view from our seats on the 50 yard line. Fresh in my mind is the explosive energy that came from a field goal, a touchdown, or heck, even a turnover.
But regardless of how exciting and potentially season changing the game actually was, as I sit down to write this column, my mind is not on the recent football game. You see, when we write our columns, we try to keep in mind the timing of when the newspaper reaches you. Our articles are finalized a good four days before the paper even comes out. And a lot of things can happen in those four days.
With the upcoming ten year anniversary of what will forever be known as 9-11, it is obvious what my column will be written on. While, there are many events that have changed the world, this looming anniversary is one that is sure to become the focus of attention over the upcoming week. It is a day that challenged and changed a nation.
It is the day that four flights were overtaken by 19 hijackers. The day that the cities of New York and Washington fell victim to the actions of few. It is the day that 2,996 individuals from 70 different countries died in the incidents that shook the world. It is the day that Canada lost 24 of our own. It is the day that more than 3000 children lost one or more parents.
And with the horrendous tragedies of the day, sparked events that would follow. A Sikh in Arizona was mistaken for a Muslim and fatally shot in a hate crime. More than 430,000 job-months were lost in the three months that followed the attacks. Small businesses in Lower Manhattan suffered. Afghanistan citizens fled the country as they feared retaliation from the United States. The stock market fell and the economy suffered.
Everything became a question and no one had an answer. Airlines intensified their screening processes. The United States struck action overseas that would last a full decade. Personnel found and killed Osama bin Laden just over three months ago.
The sights of Lower Manhattan are of a different picture since the 2001 tragedy. What once stood, no longer does. Walking at Ground Zero means being witness to wall murals that depict the timeline of the events of 9-11, a fire department whose door requests 'No Visitors,' and a church where the gravity of the tragedy can be felt and saw. Badges of those who gave their lives in an attempt to rescue and save others form a shrine upon entry.
Along with the tragedy came overwhelming support. A city full of people known for their independence came together. Heroes were born and compassion for others was shown. The nation saw a surge in the number of blood donations. Relief funds were set up to assist victims providing 2,833 applicants with financial stability.
The tenth anniversary of the event brings upon us a chance to sit back and reflect at what has really changed. We continue to live with the aftermath of the event. Those who were witness to the event and who were directly impacted will be forever changed. Throughout the United States, planned events with mark the event and those who fell victim will be honoured. The events of 9-11 never will and never should be forgotten. It is the day a nation changed.
