Because of the actions of a few individuals who hijacked the planes, America has joined together. Flags flew, blood was donated, and prayer services were held.

At RPI, a prayer service was arranged and held only six hours after the incident began. A blood drive was underway by late morning. Students, faculty, and staff are to be commended for turning out in droves, resulting in a three-hour wait. President Jackson cancelled class to allow families to stay in contact.

Across the nation, important decisions were required. These decisions were made quickly and responsibly.

The FAA halted air traffic nation-wide—an unprecedented act—within an hour of the first plane hitting the World Trade Center.

Rescue workers swarmed to New York City, some even from the Capital District.

When a blood shortage was identified, Americans reacted and made long lines at the blood banks. Many of those who didn’t make it to the front of the line by the end of the day vowed to be back again today and tomorrow if necessary.

Terrorists have tried to cripple our country. The World Trade Center, a symbol of capitalism, is gone. Another attack occurred at the Pentagon—the center of our nation’s defense is on fire.

Even with these setbacks, we remain strong. There will not be a depression because the World Trade Center is no longer in existence. The government will not be over-thrown due to the damage at the Pentagon.

Tuesday, September 11, 2001, was a day that questioned America’s freedom. In the long run, we will look back on this day and realize despite the devastation we are still one nation. American freedom has existed for 225 years and will continue to exist in the future.

It is not a day for hate. The acts of hate have already occurred. It’s time to bond together, and it’s obvious this is already happening. We put our differences aside to work toward the common goal.