History in the Making

Remember where you were Sept. 11th 2001? I can remember being woken up by a call from my mom. "Kirsten, have you seen the news? A plane hit the World Trade Center!" I rushed to the TV, flipped on the station and was glued to the TV for hours upon hours watching the coverage of this tragedy on our soil. As I sat in front of the TV again for hours today, I realize how much history I have seen in my life. My mind is drawn back to reflect on Sept 11th, then to March 2003 when the first war of my life time was declared on Iraq, then on to the Tsunami and Katrina both disasters the likes have never before seen, and then there's tonight's election. Tonight, Nov. 4th 2008, the first African-American President has been elected. A few years ago, people would have thought this was something that could not be possibly so yet here we are with a new President-elect Barack Obama. Watching the crowds reacting to this news I was struck to see the gamat of colors celebrating together this big step in history. There are many Americans who can still remember the time when America was gripped by racial strife and segregation, many who still struggle with the past feelings of oppression. When watching today, I was touched by the hope that was present on so many faces in the crowds. Whether you are for or against Barack Obama, it is still time to celebrate the giant step our society has taken. Finally, we can truly say that our country is built on equality for all men. We should all take a moment to appreciate this moment in our history, and our role in this day today with the votes we cast either for or against Barack Obama. What a cool thing for us to see this moment in history unfold before our own eyes. Who would have ever guessed that America, a country who was segregated less than 40 years ago, would have elected an African-American President.