One year after the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania, the Reveille published a special issue remembering that day and the year that followed.
The stories dealt with a resurgence of patriotism, a return to church after the events, experiences of alumni living in New York and Washington D.C., how the role and importance of sports shifted during the year, changes for international students, Chancellor Emmert’s reaction to the day, media coverage of the attacks and students’ memories of where they were during the attacks.
This is a portion of an article by staff writer Benjamin Leger about student reactions to claims of declining patriotism.
A year after the tragic event occured, do people still carry the same feelings of patriotism that weaved through song and memorials that thwarted fear and confusion?
Have the flags been taken down, and are the scars that were once so deep finally healed?
Nursing sophomore Jessica Harry said after Sept. 11, patriotism increased dramatically because the nation pulled together and everyone put aside their petty differences.
“But now it’s not as big of a deal as it was in the first six months,” Harry said. “People mention it because it’s the one-year anniversary, but it is not as discussed as something like the serial killer.”
French Studies professor Barry Brooks said so many issues such as terrorism, the stock market and corporate greed now have taken up space in current conversation.
“We are so bombarded now that we have no idea where to focus our time,” Brooks said.
Communication disorders junior Dana Bourgeois said her family has always felt national pride, but Sept. 11 emphasized the importance of patriotism to everyone.
“Before Sept. 11, we took America for granted,” Bourgeois said. “But what happened made us feel vulnerable and it shows that we can be broken down a bit.”