Commentary

Remembering 9/11

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Condition. Discussion »

Most adults can remember where we were and what we were doing when we found out about the World Trade Center being hit by terrorists.

Remembering Those Who Have Fallen Since 9/11

I remember how some of us hovered around a television in an office as the whole dreadful episode unfolded before our eyes. The morning shows like Good Morning America and Today kept a camera on the first tower. Then a report came in that the Pentagon was hit. A plane went down in a farmer's field somewhere in Pennsylvania.

Then the second tower at the World Trade Center was hit.

The government shut down air traffic. Some malls were closed around the country. It seemed as if part of America was stilled that day.

In its aftermath, two wars emerged.

American Indians once again answered the call to service. American Indians and Alaska Natives have served with distinction in the United States military long before 9/11. American Indians served in the US military even before American Indians were considered citizens of the country. Thousands of American Indians and Alaska Natives have given their lives defending the United States of America.

Earlier this year the Pentagon estimated that since 9/11, 64 American Indians and Alaskan Natives have died fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq (42 in Operation Iraqi Freedom; 22 in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).

American Indians have answered to call to service because of their long commitment to protecting the land. Today's American Indian soldiers are warriors just as their ancestors were warriors.

American Indians remember those who perished on 9/11 eleven years ago today. The fallout from this attack on Americans surpassed those who died that day. Countless firefighters and other emergency rescuers have developed diseases that led to their subsequent deaths. The toll continues even today.

American Indians are fully aware of terrorist attacks.

We also remember our ancestors who perished at Wounded Knee and Sand Creek. We remember those who perished during the Trail of Tears and the Potawatomi Trail of Death. All of these tragedies occurred on American soil.

So, we remember 9/11 and pray for peace for our country.

updated 2:25 pm edt; posted September 11, 2012 10:57 am edt