I wrote this for my College Writing Class but because the anniversary of that day is coming up soon and it means a lot to me I feel the need to post this here for anyone that cares to read. Comments are appreciated On September 11th, 2001, radical Islamic terrorists unofficially declared war on the United States of America, by utilizing the greatest act of faceless cowardice to have ever been seen in the case of World History. The lives of nearly 3,000 people from 53 different countries were ended prematurely when four planes became pawns in the greater scheme of world politics. The tragic events of that day have carved themselves into the minds and memories of countless citizens around the world. The ramifications of that day are still visible in the current time period. 5,125 brave soldiers of the world's strongest military have perished in the middle-eastern nations of Iraq and Afghanistan in response to the attacks of September 11th. Despite an initial positive response to the war, the entrance of the United States into the Islamic world has been seen as an unpopular imperial move that has been criticized by a majority of nations around the world. The inability to end the war in a quick and efficient manner has lead to the disapproval of President George W Bush, and helped change how people viewed the Republican party, and possibly the reformation of the GOP. But the approach of Democracy to these countries could lead to a possible stable environment in which all peoples may be free, man or woman, rich or poor. Only time can tell how Democracy will anchor itself in Middle Eastern affairs, In places like Iran the people are encouraged to vote but the large amount of voter fraud has led to a lack of creditability to the voting system. Although the events of the day have had huge impacts on World History, it still continues to affect the lives of everyday citizens, myself included. Even though we near a decade since the attacks on Manhattan and Washington, the pain and confusion of that day are still felt by many victims and their families. The fear of that day was something that will not easily fade, nor disappear completely. I will always remember how I felt on that day, the confusion was disorientating and the uncertainty of my safety was terrifying. A normal day in the start of my Fifth Grade year was disrupted and torn apart when I was told by my father, a New York City Firefighter that he had to leave home and search for his friends who were among the missing and that he might not be home for awhile. The wet +%%%! that rolled down his face and the fear in his eyes were strong enough to burn themselves into my memory. No amount of begging or crying could have stopped him from leaving my house on that day, even though I cried my heart out. My father was also among the victims and I see his symptoms everyday. The toxic dust created by pulverized steel and burning fiberglass have permanently scarred his lungs, forcing him to retire and now he can't do the things that he once loved. I am shocked and disgusted that a small devout group of radical religious zealots hate freedom so much that they would be willing to take away the lives of innocent people just to promote hatred and ignorance. The fact that people would go to such extreme lengths to promote their message of hate is both disturbing and unbelievable. Their goal of destroying the American spirit failed miserably and did nothing more then to tighten the embrace that connects all of the citizens of the United States. Following September 11th, I remember vividly the strongest show of patriotism that has ever been seen on this continent. The flags flew high and proud, showing the rest of the world that we were not now or ever going to stand down to an opposing force, no matter their size or motive. In a famous speech by George W Bush following the attacks he says, "Freedom itself was attacked today by a faceless coward and freedom will be defended. The resolve of our great nation is being tested. Make no mistake, we will show the world that we will past this test." I believe that September 11th was a wake up call to the rest of the world that hatred still existed, that it wasn't possible to hide at home and avoid violence. It showed that to protect your homeland you had to have a proactive approach in world affairs. September 11th also helped to spread Democracy and led to the breakdown of mob rule of a country's internal affairs, especially in the nations of Pakistan, Syria, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are controversial but I believe that a proper foothold in the Middle East is an essential anchor in protecting the American homestead and freedom abroad.