Sometimes I still don't believe it ever really happened. It was a day that started off as innocently as any other; a beautiful, cloudless morning decorated with the graceful songs of the morning birds and a bright, warm sunshine that could bring a smile to even the greatest cynic's face. I was busy daydreaming and gazing longingly out the window hoping my teacher would allow her class to enjoy a quick game of kick ball when my thoughts were interrupted by the sudden, strangely-timed announcement on the PA system.
One of my classmates was asked to report to the front desk. I remember wondering why this friend of mine who seemed perfectly healthy and happy was being called from the class when suddenly two more classmates were similarly summoned. Soon enough, what began as a timid trickle became a torrent of announcements as my class size continued to shrink. What was going on? Was everyone going home to enjoy the weather? It wasn't until I too was summoned to the school's front desk and brought home by an uncharacteristically distraught mother that I became truly concerned. In a few hours my whole world had been turned upside down.
The once welcoming sidewalks of our nation's capital had been blocked off by concrete barricades on almost every street. People walked briskly with looks of fear and distrust. Armed guards became a regular part of daily life, like the postman or the newspaper boy.
Nearly a decade has passed since that horrific day which shaped American foreign policy and politics in this century, and yet it remains as vivid as ever.
A week after the eighth anniversary (if that word can even be used for such a somber day) of September 11, 2001, we remember the fallen men, women and children—innocent victims of a world gone haywire.
While there was an initial push for September 11 to become a national day of mourning, the families of the victims decided that our country would be better off if the day were commemorated by the simple act of serving others. In April 2009 President Obama made sure their wish was recognized, signing landmark legislation making September 11 a national day of service and remembrance.
With over 500 participants in the 11th annual Common Good Day this past Saturday, we, the Bowdoin community, certainly answered the president's call to service. While this day was a tremendous success in every sense of the word, we must continue to be involved in our community in meaningful ways.
Bowdoin College provides us with countless outlets for continued service and yet most of us simply fall back into the so-called "Bowdoin Bubble" after a single day of helping others.
In the McKeen Center for the Common Good we have a terrific outlet for our community service aspirations. Let's take advantage of it for more than a single day. At Bowdoin, we have a myriad of resources at our fingertips. We have a committed president and a supportive faculty and administration. We are truly blessed at Bowdoin and, as the late Senator Ted Kennedy often said, "To whom much is given, much is expected in return."
Let us fulfill our school's promise and continue to have a positive impact in our community throughout our time here at Bowdoin. It's really the least we can do.
Craig Hardt is a member of the Class of 2012.