<< Back 9/4/02 One year later, we will all relive Sept. 11 SMN This coming flood will likely be biblical in proportion, and it is sure to bring forth a mixed emotional outpouring that will leave many unsure what to make of it all. We’re speaking of the anniversary of Sept. 11. The day is already emblazoned into the American psyche like no other, except perhaps Dec. 7 when the Japanese launched their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. The roller coaster of the past year has completely re-defined our country’s political landscape, sent destructive shock waves rippling through the economy, transformed many of our established institutions and torn families apart. Before Sept. 11, isolated acts of terrorism seemed incidental to our lives; now, all of American society is changing to deal with its threat and its perpetrators. Still, commemorating the memory of what happened that day without exploiting or indulging will prove difficult. All the televisions networks are planning almost non-stop coverage. From deep in Afghanistan to downtown New York, we will re-live that day and the entire year. Recent corporate scandals have many Americans bemoaning the ethical practices of the corporations that this country has spawned, but many of those large businesses are treating this event with the somberness it deserves. In order that they not be seen as capitalizing on the tragedy of Sept. 11, most large advertisers have refused to purchase TV time that day. This leaves the networks devoid of the need to fight for ratings. We shall see if that leads to responsible news reporting. No one is saying that this event should not be covered in detail. It is one of the most important days in the history of this country. We need to remember it. It’s just that the thought of today’s electronic media in all its magnitude converging on one story so soon after it has happened has many people concerned. Marian Fontana, whose firefighter husband died on Sept. 11, told the Christian Science Monitor that the day’s events will be a double-edged sword. Fontana is the president of the Sept. 11 Widow and Victims Family Association. She says families can’t have closure when media images are constantly flickering across the screen. On the other hand, though, she doesn’t want people to forget what happened. Mixed emotions from wounds still raw. Perhaps the anniversary will help us find ways to better deal with this national tragedy.