9/11 Textual Analysis

           In “Nine Years Later, Americans remember as president calls for tolerance”, the CNN Wire Staff describes how nine years later our country commemorates the lives lost in 9/11.  It is told in a clear, concise way with plentiful dialogues and descriptions, which helped me visualize the pain the families and friends of victims feel, even after all these years.

            This articles descriptions of people remembering the “2,752 who perished at the World Trade center (CNN Wire Staff)…” tug at the heart.  It brings back memories of that horrible day to the forefront of my mind, and brought tears to my mom’s and my eyes when I read it aloud, and when I read it to myself.  The fear that our nation collectively felt when this event took place comes back as well, but so does the unity and oneness of being an American and knowing we will not fall, regardless of what terrorists do to our country.  They sought to divide us, but instead they brought a nation together.  Even the author’s opening words; “Nine Septembers have come and gone and yet, the many days that separate America now from a chilling day in its history did not dull remembrance Saturday (CNN Wire Staff).” cause these feelings in me, and draw me in to continue on.

            One aspect of the article I thought particularly effective was that the author stated what family and friends of some victims had to say about their lost loved ones.  One that felt extremely powerful to me, perhaps as a result of my avid love for Star Wars, was what someone had to say about their brother, Christopher Epps

“Christopher, so handsome, and, oh, so fine.  With a heart of gold, why, oh why did you                                                                                              have to leave us behind?  And I say to myself, I know why.  God was looking for a captain of a ship, someone who qualifies as a jedi.  So go on, dear brother, don’t be shy.  Your ship awaits you with 2,000 and more to stand by your side, to travel with you on your journey into the sky.  May the force be with you, Christopher Epps.  We love you and you are embedded in our hearts forever (www.cnn.com).”