Remembrance.

11 years ago today, the World Trade Towers were hit and America was changed forever.

1.

And as I sit here today, at my desk at my internship in Toronto, I realize that it's the first anniversary since it happened that I haven't remembered. Usually, the pictures we're so familiar with, the videos and the music, it's all over. But I sit here and read the Facebook updates and Twitter updates of my friends and realize how much of an impact being in a different country has on a person.

I have never really considered myself a really patriotic person. I grew up with strong British roots and found myself at an early age identifying with the liberal swing of our country. While I may not have understood a lot, I sure developed opinions at an early age. But over the years of developing my own opinions and strengthening my education, I continue to stand by my premature liberalism.

When I found out I was moving to Canada, people made a lot of cracks about America and 'getting out' and other silly political slashes that I'm sure we've all heard from time to time. I'm sure in my day that I've made some as well. When I got to Canada and started interacting with Canadians and other citizens of the world, I started hearing a lot of opinions about America, our ways, our culture, etc. And I think I've slowly started becoming more patriotic. As a result, I've decided to take hold of my future and exercise my voice as a member of the next important generation.

What I'm getting at is that you don't realize how much your country means to you until you step away. If I was never very patriotic for 24 years then I'll start now. Because, no matter who you are, we are in this together, as a country. We stand together to remember and we stand together to survive. If we don't stand together, we will fall apart. 

To those who lost their lives 11 years ago and to all of those who have lost them since: I appreciate what you gave up for a country who's still trying to find it's feet. We will make you proud.