In the commentary Monday concerning the new movie about the heroic efforts of Americans to deter Islamic extremists from flying a plane into a building, Ms. Marschall made it seem that any American who wants to relive the “tragedy” is a bloodthirsty savage. What she did not tell you, unfortunately, is that many of the families whose loved ones died to defend their nation that day also had a large say as to how the movie was produced and greatly appreciated the retelling of the events.
Many Americans, particularly college students jaded by recent world events, withdraw themselves into fantasy worlds revolving around sports, music or anything else that can keep their minds off of World War III (face it, we’re in it right now). Movies like “United 93” are needed to bring us all back into reality, to make us face the brutality of extremist, pseudo-religious ideologies and inspire us to take a stand and fight back. The Americans on flight 93 symbolize what all Americans should be, and unless we hear their story we may lose that part of our spirit, the American spirit, that should always be a part of us. “Let’s roll” should be a phrase ever at the forefront of our minds for now and for the rest of our lives.
Ryan Hunter
Mechanical engineering senior