Five years ago, I was in my math class before the bell when one of my classmates came literally running in and exclaiming, "A plane hit the World Trade Center!" The teacher turned on the tv and we watched in silent horror as the second plane hit the second tower, the burning wreck at the Pentagon, one tower falling, then the other. For the rest of that day, in each class, we watched the news, despite the administration's attempts to force everyone to resume class. Thousands murdered. Even now, I have trouble comprehending the motivation for such a heinous act. A month and a half ago, I visited the site, which, even without the rubble and debris, was an eerie and terrible sight. There is something about standing there and knowing that thousands of people died just feet from where you were that gives one chills. I did not personally lose anyone in the attacks, but I do mourn the loss of so many lives.

For a while after that, flags adorned every building (here, at least) and the nation was incensed. We went to war, and then our unity crumbled. Every move that is made is attacked by one group or another. The war is not perfect, but what war is? Sure, it could have been carried out better in some ways, but that does not mean that the entire thing is wrong. Are we supposed to just let them bomb us when they please? What we need is some form of unity. To back out now, whatever your beliefs, would be the height of stupidity. It would show us to be weak and unable to unite and would most certainly invite further attacks.

Support our soldiers. They are fighting not for vengeance or to build an empire, but to preserve our way of life, which such terrorists as the ones who participated in the 9/11 attacks will blow themselves up to destroy. That simply cannot be justified.

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.