Saturday, September 10, 2011

Just Another Day

Well I am sure that you have heard about the credible terror threats that have put residents of NYC and DC on high alert for the weekend.

The other students of my program and I were called together Friday by our advisers. Everyone was asked to save the program leaders' phone numbers into our cells in case of any emergency. We were also informed that it would probably be best not to ride the public transportation on 9/11. 

Many of you have sent me messages and texts conveying your concern for my safety. It means a lot to me to hear from you all. However, some friends and I decided to make one last trip out for the weekend to get Georgetown Cupcakes.

After all of the news alerts and warnings, I expected the city to seem a little more desolate than usual. Most families would decide to remain near their homes for the weekend, I thought.

However, once I hit the streets, I discovered that it was as lively as ever.

Couples were strolling hand in hand through Union station and stealing kisses. Groups of college students with bags hanging from their arms were popping in and out of shops. Tourists were weaving their way through the crowds, gawking at the large monuments that celebrate some of America's greatest leaders.


We even passed about 3 weddings — weddings taking place on 9/10/11, of course.  


When people think of American patriotism, most conjure up images of the 4th of July and fireworks. For me, though, I saw a lot of patriotism in DC today.

Yes, the 10th anniversary of 9/11 is starring us in the face.
Yes, threats have been made against our country.
However, no one seemed to be letting it change his or her day-to-day activities.

Will we be holding our breath tomorrow? Probably. However, today was just another day in our nation's capitol — a day that I witnessed the unshakable strength of Americans even in the face of terrorist threats. 

1 comment: