Monday, April 10, 2006

There have been a few posts that I’ve seen about United 93, the feature film due to open on April 28 that tells the story of United Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. When the trailers started running a couple of weeks ago, people were taken by surprise and some expressed that it was too soon for this kind of movie. I sort of agreed. But now I don’t.

It’s only been five years since we were attacked and I think too many people have forgotten the horror of that day. I think that we have been shielded from the pictures and video of that day. I think we need to see those images every day. We need the reminder of the acts of war that were perpetrated against our country, against innocent American citizens, and against innocent visitors in our country.

3000 people died on that day.

We need to remember the events that took their lives.

United 93 is a way for us to remember them and to honor the people who prevented more death and destruction.

What changed my mind? I saw a short spot on TV this morning - the director and family members giving their testimony about why this movie is important. Click on the link to the movie site and then “Enter the Site.” In the window that pops up, click on the menu link at the bottom left and then on the link to the Director’s Statement - this is the text he expresses in the TV spot. I believe his motives for making the movie are genuine and given that all of the families agreed to help with the project and endorse it. I believe that we need to go see it.

Will it be hard to watch? Probably. Will it bring back all of the emotions we felt on 9/11? I hope so. We should never forget the events that took place on that day - 1672 days ago.

I am going to try to go see United 93 opening weekend. I hope you will do the same.