The largest act of terrorism in history against the United States happened only one month and one day ago.
Still, our country has seen a complete turnaround of attitudes and, especially, patriotism.
Cookeville--and Cookeville High School--had a sudden surge of patriotism the day after the September 11 attacks on Washington, DC, and New York City. Since then, local stores--including Wal-Mart--have run out of American flags or anything bearing the Stars and Stripes.
The American flag is once again being flown week after week on houses or businesses, as opposed to the few days during the 4th of July and Memorial Day holidays.
Many businesses and churches have used their signs to encourage any passersby with such patriotic and proud sayings as "United We Stand" and "God Bless America."
Driving around Cookeville, many cars can be seen sporting the American flag.
Cookeville High School is not exempt from this outburst of American pride, proof that the terrorism attacks of one month ago have altered the way students view their country.
It seems, now, that students treat the moment of silence more seriously. There are less and less complaints about the morning ritual of standing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Perhaps CHS students are proud to say it.
One car in the CHS parking lot bears the words "God Bless the USA," and several cars have American flags.
In the commons area of our school, three posters now hang alongside our American flag--work from our art students. Each poster portrays the artists' feelings, from unity and selflessness to heartbreak and hurt.
With all the American spirit right now, let's hope a month from now we are still proud to be Americans.