But as of 8:48 a.m., Sept. 11 became the day that would change the future of America.

Except for a brief mention of the date in mass, a few prayers and the simple recognition of the date itself, our campus did not show the respect the anniversary deserves.

There were no candles or observance events. No tributes to the catastrophic attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, either. Picnics, meetings and events went on as if last Sunday was nothing more than another warm summer day to enjoy.

Sept. 11, 2001 is the most fateful day of our generation. This is our Pearl Harbor. The attack on our soil led to the American invasion of two nations, a further plunge into economic recession and a global intolerance of terrorism. This was the date that our futures became cloudy, and yet on the fourth anniversary of the attacks little was done to remember them.

But the date itself means more than just war and recession. Sept. 11 was the day thousands of our innocent American brethren were murdered. This was another day people left their homes and families in anticipation of a regular workday. It ended up that people left their homes and families forever.

America's true colors were shown on Sept.11, as well.

Many brave people risked and gave their own lives in order to help the people who were trapped in the rubble of the Twin Towers. On this day, ordinary firemen became America's greatest heroes. The rest of the nation showed their respect for the victims through financial donations, blood donations and eventually by visiting Ground Zero.

If nothing else, we should annually recognize one of the few days in our lives every political and ethnic border in America was broken. For this one day in 2001, the Democrat and Republican Parties meant nothing, class and race did not matter and the only issue was our country had been attacked and it left our friends and family dead.

It is completely unrealistic to think America should come to a complete halt on this day each September to remember the events of the tragedy. But too little is being done to respect the memory of that day. Memorial services, group prayers, candlelit vigils and moments of silence are the least that should be done to maintain the memory of the fateful day. Each thing done to remember the gravity of the attacks is necessary and should be welcome; Americans owe it to the people who lost their lives to greatly respect the date.

If we forget the depth of the situation that unfolded on Sept.11 too soon, America would not be showing its ability to heal, but rather its lack of compassion for life.

The fear, strength, sadness and pride showed by America on Sept. 11, 2001 are destined to be a story we tell our children and grandchildren. Let's make it so we can also truthfully tell them how America has never and will never let the memory of that day die.