Editor's Corner
Ana Yanni
Issue date: 9/11/08 Section: Opinion
Put aside politics; pay tribute to victims of tragedy and those who work for change
I can't believe it's been seven years. So much time has passed that I couldn't even drive when the towers fell; now, I can legally drink. I have so many things I would love to say about this battle we're fighting and have so many wishes for the country my children will be born into.
The truth is, none of that matters. My opinions and my feelings about this war don't matter today. What matters right now, are the people behind this war.
The men and women who go to work everyday for a larger purpose, whether they believe in it or not. They live a life that, from where I'm sitting, is hard to imagine.
For example, I'm 21 years old and have changed career paths three times in college. I wake up about twice a week wondering if I'm doing the right thing with my life, but take comfort in the fact that I can change it at any time I so choose.
There are 21-year-olds who have been on active duty from the time they graduated high school and are currently serving multiple tours of duty in Iraq. They don't drop their duties because they don't want to do them one day, they just wake up and do what they've promised.
These people leave their families and loved ones behind for unknown amounts of time because it is their duty.
My admiration extends past the soldiers. I have almost an equal respect for their families. These families have children who are growing up without mothers or fathers and parents who can't bear to watch the news until their sons or daughters are safe at home.
These families, whether it be for a brother, an aunt, a cousin or a nephew, know what it's like to be worried sick but filled with pride at the same time.
These soldiers and their families have my greatest admiration. My hope for today is that everyone ignores political agendas and election mud-slinging to give these people and their families the appreciation they deserve.
ayanni@capital.edu
I can't believe it's been seven years. So much time has passed that I couldn't even drive when the towers fell; now, I can legally drink. I have so many things I would love to say about this battle we're fighting and have so many wishes for the country my children will be born into.
The truth is, none of that matters. My opinions and my feelings about this war don't matter today. What matters right now, are the people behind this war.
The men and women who go to work everyday for a larger purpose, whether they believe in it or not. They live a life that, from where I'm sitting, is hard to imagine.
For example, I'm 21 years old and have changed career paths three times in college. I wake up about twice a week wondering if I'm doing the right thing with my life, but take comfort in the fact that I can change it at any time I so choose.
There are 21-year-olds who have been on active duty from the time they graduated high school and are currently serving multiple tours of duty in Iraq. They don't drop their duties because they don't want to do them one day, they just wake up and do what they've promised.
These people leave their families and loved ones behind for unknown amounts of time because it is their duty.
My admiration extends past the soldiers. I have almost an equal respect for their families. These families have children who are growing up without mothers or fathers and parents who can't bear to watch the news until their sons or daughters are safe at home.
These families, whether it be for a brother, an aunt, a cousin or a nephew, know what it's like to be worried sick but filled with pride at the same time.
These soldiers and their families have my greatest admiration. My hope for today is that everyone ignores political agendas and election mud-slinging to give these people and their families the appreciation they deserve.
ayanni@capital.edu
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Brooke P.
posted 9/12/08 @ 4:30 PM EST
Good article Ana. Important and well said =)
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