When students think of unforgettable moments in history they’ve watched in school, the first images that probably arise are those of tragedy.
In September 2001, many U.S. students watched from their classrooms as one of our greatest cities was devastated by a terrorist attack.
It would be unfortunate if that were the last time students felt that kind of oneness with their country: united in fear, confusion and anger.
Barack Obama was inaugurated Tuesday as the 44th president of the United States and Americans had the opportunity to feel united in something other than catastrophe. Faculty should have taken advantage of this timeless moment in their classes, just as many of our high school teachers took advantage of a situation as dire as Tuesday’s events were hopeful. History might repeat itself, but Tuesday will never happen again.
Regardless of political party, witnessing the masses watching attentively from the National Mall, whether live or tape-delayed, was a rare and breathtaking view. Toward the beginning of his address, Obama said, “On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.” What a shame to have missed the beginning of the end.
For those who did miss the inauguration, a priceless moment might have slipped through your fingers, but unity shouldn’t end with tragic events or rousing speeches. There is still plenty of time to contribute to a changing America. For those who did watch, what a good way to start.
We encourage students of both circumstances to not lose their resolve. Obama mentioned virtues such as hard work, honesty, courage, fair play, tolerance, curiosity, loyalty and patriotism as “the price and the promise of citizenship.”
All U students, whether they heard those words or not, should be willing to pay that price in the coming years.
Phil Cannon