Terrorism. This word was brought to the forefront of every United States citizen's mind on September 11, 2001. It is a day that all of us will never forget. We will most likely remember where we were, what we were doing, or who we were talking to the moment it became horrifically evident that The United States was actively under terrorist attack. Were we innocently watching television, or were we sitting in rush hour traffic when the TV show/radio program was interrupted with pictures and ideas wrapped in chaos and confusion? Were we visiting Manhattan for the first time, or sitting at our desk at the Pentagon as our lives as we knew them were altered forever in a blink of an eye? Yes, every U.S. citizen's eyes were opened that day. The question of what terrorism meant, no longer existed. We were now living its brutal reality.

     The images were so unbelieveable and the loss of life so unfathomable, that it was almost too much to wrap your mind around. The idea that a person, or group of people could be so ruthless and heartless as to carry out such a plan as the one that unfolded on September 11, is enough to cause physical illness. But what is so beyond comprehension is the fact that our very freedom as a nation was used against us. Our very strength, for a brief moment, became our weakness.
     Although this was by no means the first terrorist attack against the United States, or even the first on U.S. soil, it was definitely one of the first attacks which occurred in multiple U.S. locations, simultaneously, using our very own U.S. airplanes to try and knock out the nation's economic, defense, and executive centers. Prior to this day, the United States had seen terrorist attacks against them, for the most part in foreign countries, such as those incidents of the USS Cole in Yemen, and the U.S. Embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania. There had also been the first World Trade Center bombing and the Oklahoma City bombing within US borders, all of which shocked and frightened many Americans.

     But no other event had opened their eyes to the bitter reality of terrorism like September 11, 2001. No other event had proved to the United States just how unprepared it was for a major terrorist attack on its own soil. Not since the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, had the US been so blatantly assaulted within its own borders. It was obvious to everyone that changes had to be made regarding our homeland security policies and procedures. Gone was the pretense that the US was inpenetrable - a safe haven where, unlike other countries, they did not have to worry about an out and out attack on its own land. As security at the country's borders, ports, and airports, as well as at important buildings, events, and various high profile landmarks and locations, increased significantly as people became more aware of just how precious their safety and freedom really were. They realized that it did not just exist on its own, but it needed to be enforced by its citizens and its government. Nothing could be taken for granted. Nothing could be overlooked. The United States could no longer afford to continue its naive outlook on life.

September 11, 2001 gave U.S. citizens a shocking example of just how twisted the terrorist mind can be. Preparing for such acts is quite difficult, as there are so many aspects that have the possibility of being an object of attack. Terrorism encompasses a wide range of appalling acts. Such acts include use of nuclear weapons, chemical weapons, and biological weapons, as well as bombings and suicide bombings, air plane hijacking, and cyber terrorism. As we have experienced, there really are no boundaries for the extent of what terrorists are capable of. This makes safety preparation very difficult. The United States has taken measures to strengthen security, and investigate possible terrorist cells within the U.S., but there is only so much that can be done from a homeland stance. The fight against terrorism must be an international fight. Countries must work together to rid the world of this inhuman violence. Until this is achieved, if that is possible, the United States must be on guard. We must not let oursleves become desensitized from the affects of terrorism on our country. We must remember that no matter how many security measures are put in place, we will never be totally safe from terrorism. Fighing terrorism and enforcing safety must become a new way of life for the United States.

      So what does this new way of life mean for U.S. citizens? What precautions can we take to make our neighborhoods and families more safe and secure? In the left column are links to some some facts and tips to help aid in your personal safety in the event of a terrorist attack.