Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?
Maclay Fails To Have a Moment of Silence for 9/11
19 terrorists, four planes, two towers, one Pentagon, one Capitol and 2,977 lives. Sept. 11, 2001–this day in history became one of the most devastating and heartbreaking moments that our country has seen. Terrorists hijacked American Airlines Flight 11 and 77 as well as United Airlines Flight 93 and 175. The hijackers planned to crash into the Twin Towers in New York City, New York, the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. This was the day the world stopped turning.
To pay tribute to those who lost their lives or rushed to the scene to help, many people take part in a moment of silence on the same day every year. Many places, such as the World Trade Center and schools, hold a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., remembering when the American Airlines Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower. For many years, Maclay has participated in a moment of silence; however, this year, there was no moment of silence and no mention of 9/11 at all.
“Well, at first I didn't even realize it (Maclay not having a moment of silence),” an anonymous Maclay staff member said. “I think if you asked the people in charge, I think [a moment of silence] was probably just an oversight because everyone’s busy. However, looking back at it, I think it’s crazy that [a moment of silence for 9/11] is an oversight.”
With Maclay failing to take time out of the day to remember this devastating event, many students and faculty were deeply hurt, especially those who have a personal connection to 9/11.
“My father was a New York City fireman, and he was a part of the search and rescue team for 9/11,” senior Bella Feijoo said. “He was one of the many firefighters that would go and look to see if there were any survivors after the towers fell. As someone who has been directly affected by 9/11, I think [not having a moment of silence] is very rude and disrespectful. I think a school with as much standing and recognition in the town, it’s really hurtful to not have any sort of recognition or any moment of silence.”
Many students believe that Maclay should have paid tribute to this day to show respect for those who are affected by this national tragedy. With this, the question that arises is whether schools should have a moment of silence for 9/11.
Not only does a moment of silence honor the victims, but it is also a reflection of heroism. Thousands of firefighters risked their lives on that day and America lost 343 brave firefighters on sight. Since then, 110 firefighters lost their lives due to lasting effects. Those men and women put others’ lives before their own and became thousands of people’s heroes that day. With the business of today’s world, it is important to take time out of the day to remember the victims and the heroes of 9/11 with a moment of silence.
“I don't think [a moment of silence] was signaling anybody out to say that you need to be praying to this person,” an anonymous Maclay staff member said. “It's a moment of silence of appreciation and respect.”
Some believe that a moment of silence forces them to pray. Although some people may pray during the silence, it is not forced. A moment of silence is personal and can be whatever one makes it. Whether it is closing one’s eyes or holding one's neighbor’s hand, a moment of silence is a moment of reflection on what has happened, not a way to force others to pray.
“I know a lot of times, and especially in today's society, people don't want to hurt other people's feelings, make some people feel a certain way or make anything turn political, but this event (9/11) was bigger than that,” an anonymous Maclay staff member said. “This affected the whole, not just the nation, but the whole world. This was the event that had me join the military to make me get off my butt and actually do something for the country.”
A moment of silence has nothing to do with what party, religion or culture one belongs to. It is about remembering and reflecting.
“[A moment of silence] is respectful and it teaches children to know that when something tragic like this happens. The best thing that we can do is just take a moment to remember these people’s lives, remember their sacrifice and appreciate all the blessings that we have,” Feijoo said.
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