On Sept. 11, 2001, tragedy struck when two planes crashed into the   Twin Towers.  A total of 2,977 people were killed, and they deserve to be honored by making this day a national holiday.

For our generation, 9/11 is a day of mourning for those we have lost.  Making this day a holiday would ensure that future generations still understand the meaning of 9/11 even though they have nobody to grieve   for.  Closing schools would further emphasize the seriousness of the day.  A holiday can make sure people are reminded of the hatred and intolerance the attacks, as well as the bravery of first responders and people who came together in the aftermath of 9/11. This way, we can prevent an event like 9/11 from happening again.

“9/11 should be considered a national holiday to honor the people   who lost their lives,” said junior Chris Spina.  “They should be   remembered, this would ensure that future generations remember it, too.”   

Following the destruction of the World Trade Center, people opened their homes to neighbors, and even strangers.  9/11 should be a national holiday to honor not   only those who passed away, but also the people who extended a helping hand to others during this horrific time.     

“9/11 should be a national holiday because in spite of the challenges, the country was able to come together and support one another,”  said   junior Samantha Frevola.

If 9/11 were a holiday, it would be a symbol of pride.  It would stand as a reminder that we stood strong on that day.  Making it a holiday would serve as an act of nationalism, a message to other countries that reminds them of how we overcame this challenge.

“The holiday would send a message to terrorists that says, ‘You didn’t defeat us.  Not even slightly,’”   said freshman Dylan Schor.      

Some believe that 9/11 becoming a holiday would belittle the   mourning and turn it into a joyous occasion.  However, that wouldn’t be the   case.  The word “holiday” is a misnomer: it is met with happiness and   celebration, but this particular holiday is meant to be a day of mourning   and remembrance for the thousands who lost their lives.

“This national holiday would symbolize an important event in   American history and honor all the innocent people who lost their lives,”     said freshman Anastasia Cavounis.      

National holidays are meant for people to observe a day of   importance in the nation’s history, and Sept. 11 was one of the most   infamous and important events to occur in the United States in the 21st century.
There are some dates that probably shouldn’t be holidays. Columbus   Day, for example, celebrates the day when Christopher Columbus set foot in    Central  America, which doesn’t even apply to New Yorkers.  On top of that,   when Columbus landed in Central America, he eliminated the entire   culture of the natives and forced them out of their homeland.  Is it really   more important to honor an unjust event instead of one that commemorates the deaths of innocent Americans who died at the hands of terrorists?  Six states don’t even recognize Columbus Day,  and yet on a   day that affected numerous people in every state throughout America, we   have nothing.      

“I don’t understand why 9/11 isn’t a holiday yet. It is a significant date in American History. We have Pearl Harbor Day to honor the lives we lost, so why not 9/11?” said senior Celia Christake.

Other holidays such as Martin Luther King Day are honored by closing schools.  When the day arrives, we take the time to reflect on King’s significance in history.  A holiday passes the test of time and 9/11 should   never be forgotten.  We owe to these people, ourselves, and future generations to have  a holiday, a day of remembrance, for the innocent   victims of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.