It is often said that we do not truly appreciate what we have until it is taken from us. Loss and tragedy certainly have the power to change the way that we view ourselves and the world around us. Sometimes these events trigger a sense of fear and panic, as we view our surroundings with an eye awakened to danger and true peril. But sometimes, if we are fortunate, it is in the darkest of hours that we are truly made aware of the strength and courage of the human spirit, and what it means to live in a country like the United States.
When Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941, the nation realized that we were not safe from dangers that might lurk halfway around the world. The war that raged in Europe had seemed distant and remote until Japan attacked United States' territory. Americans were awakened not only to hitherto unknown threats, but to what it meant to live in a nation like the United States. It led to an increased sense of patriotism, as well as an appreciation for the freedom and safety that the country provided its citizens. Indeed, in 1941, the sacrifices that must often be made during wartime seemed a small price to pay when the fate of the nation was at stake.
Tragedies like the bombing of Pearl Harbor often evoke such feelings in us. We realize how rich and blessed our lives truly are, and we respond with a sense of gratitude and appreciation for our country. Sometimes, however, tragedies induce feelings of panic and dread, instead of more positive emotions. The assassinations of President John F. Kennedy seemed to heighten the United States' sense of vulnerability. If the President could be shot so easily, then were any of us truly safe? Could the nation truly be considered a solid, stable force within the world? In a similar way, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. set off similar shockwaves. King was a peaceful man, whose only objective was to secure freedom and equality for all ...