Media and The Message

by Nicholas G. Licata, M.A.

Symbols - September 14, 2001 [Back to Columns]

This week, we have witnessed horrendous acts of terrorism as well as selfless acts of heroism. These events have forced us to reassess who we are and how the symbols of American life truly relate to us as a people. The targets of these acts of terrorism, the twin towers of the World Trade Center, were not chosen for any strategic or military reason, neither were they picked at random. They were selected because of what they symbolize.

For us as New Yorkers, the twin towers of the World Trade Center represent the greatest city in the world, a city where people from all walks of life, from all religions, from every corner of the globe, live side by side in equality.

For us as Americans, the towers represent opportunity, freedom and democracy. They embody the ideals upon which the United States was founded - ideals for which its people have given their lives to defend time and again.

For us as members of the free world, the towers represent the center of global economics; they represent countries and peoples working together; they represent the future of civilization.

The events of this past week have forever changed the essence of the towers. The horror of the plane crashes and the collapse of the buildings; the surreal scene in lower Manhattan and the huge pile of rubble; the rescue workers risking their lives on the hopes of finding a person alive, and the faces those that have lost their lives have given the towers new meaning. They have now come to symbolize our nation's resolve and resilience.

As we watch the images on television of the American spirit at work, we realize that no act of terror can change who we are. We're Americans, and history shows that every time we have been knocked down, we have lifted ourselves up, dusted ourselves off and come back better than before. And, that is what we will do this time as well.

Some may think it premature to write of rebuilding the towers when there are still mothers, fathers, and children buried in the rubble, but it should be done. The towers should stand again for all of those who have given their lives in this tragedy. They should stand again to show the world that freedom and democracy will reign supreme. And, they should stand again for the indomitable spirit of the American people.