The days go by slowly since September 11th, 2001.

It has been fifteen years since the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Everyone has their story of what happened that day. Everyone remembers exactly where they were on that fateful day that the Twin Towers in New York City collapsed due to a terrorist attack. Though most high school students were either only four years old or weren’t even born yet, they’ve heard their family tell the story numerous times. For junior Robert Reiter, his family was too close for comfort.

Reiter was living with his grandparents in Long Island, New York on the day of the attack. His mother was working at Norton’s in a skyscraper. “She said she loved walking out of the office, looking through the windows and seeing the Twin Towers,” said Reiter.

Following right after the attacks, Norton’s began evacuating. Reiter’s mother had great fear and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for a short time after the events. “She tells me of horrific dreams and hearing screams throughout the day,” said Reiter.

Seventh and eighth grade teacher at Eastside Middle School, Susan Carlisle, remembers exactly where she was during the events. “I was teaching at Bullitt Lick Middle at the time. I was monitoring the hallway and one of my students ran up to me and said, ‘there are planes flying into buildings,’” said Carlisle.

Fortunately, Carlisle did not have any family in New York that day, but Reiter’s mother had a cousin who was lost to the attack.

Why these terrorist attacks happened is all up to opinion and speculation for all Americans. “I feel like this attack happened because of how vulnerable America was. I also think it happened because terrorists knew that by attacking the most populated city in America, it would set an example for things to come,” said Reiter.

Carlisle believes that the attacks were an effect of ignorance and fear. “I think human beings are intimidated by fear of the unknown. It is easier to attack than to learn the truth,” said Carlisle.

For most adults who recall the event, it’s hard to believe that it has been fifteen years since. Fifteen Septembers have come and went. “I feel disappointed that our country has not done more to protect us,” said geometry and trans math teacher, Stephanie Brock, “I still think there’s too many things that slip through the cracks.”

As the years go by and we start to think, how has this helped America grow and develop as a nation? “In the darkest days and weeks in our country, human beings pulled together as one to be our best. It was a time of selflessness, prayer, strength, and all that is great in humanity. For that reason, I believe we renewed our strength and resilience,” said Carlisle.

Reiter believes that America’s involvement in the war on terror would drastically change. “I personally think 9/11 prompted people to be concerned about safety and to become vigilant. I think people became less oblivious to the fact that life can change in an instant,” said Reiter.