A Nation Changed

As I, like many other saddened Americans, watch the coverage and programs on September 11th's 10th anniversary, I am moved. Not only by remembering the innocent lives that were lost, but by the bravery of those who fought to protect and save them. At the time of the attacks, thousands of first responders fled to the scene, as opposed to fleeing for their lives. Their selfless acts caused Americans to dub them heroes, and today they are honored for their courage.

Yet, as America attempts to move forward, and slowly rebuild our nation in the aftermath of what could be argued was the worst day in American history, health concerns for the 9/11 responders are holding them back. After reading this article: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/911-responders-plagued-cancer-asthma-ptsd/story?id=14427512 , I am shocked and saddened by the grief and pain the heroes of September 11th are forced to continue dealing with. Due to the hazardous conditions of ground zero, many men and women are continuing to suffer, battling cancers and respiratory diseases. Firefighters from that day commented that even 10 years later, they are continuing to attend funerals for rescue workers who were killed by the after affects of the attacks. As the twin towers collapsed, an awful concoction of toxins, debris, and dust were released into the air. Those who were desperately trying to rescue others lives, were breathing in the air that would haunt them for much time to come, in more ways than one.

These health issues the heroes of September 11th are suffering parallel the struggle America is fighting to move on from this tragic day, and to become a stronger nation. Americans want to remember that day, not be defined by it. I can imagine the firefighters and rescue workers from 9/11 feel similarly. Yet, America continues to be haunted by it. Is it even possible to move on? Or, similar the toxins in the air that day, will the effects always plague our country? September 11th, 2001 was a day no American could ever forget, and the shadow continues to linger over our country, and its heroes.