Anniversaries come and go; they remind us of things past: how we were born and grew up, who influenced or inspired us, what are the dates or events that went with the celebration or observance. But most of us do let go of the spirit behind these anniversaries once the day or perhaps the week is gone.
The run-of the-mill story goes on and on again until the next date comes up.
Are anniversaries only rituals that lose their significance over the years?
Today, the world is observing the anniversary of the collapse of the World Trade Center nine years ago in the United States. The strife is not gone yet though there are traces of a positive fallout this year with plans to open up a religious centre near where the disaster took place.
We need to focus on what needs to be done or not done day in and day out in order to make an event or date worth remembering or add significance to human advances already made. This alone can lead to a conflict-free society.
What happens after a disaster or tragedy? Blame games, inquiries, and revenge-taking. On the other hand, it can also open up new ways to find solutions to the problems that tie up nations in deep knots. A new awakening in the minds and hearts of people directly or indirectly affected can heal wounds, feelings, and renew hopes and lead to positive action.
History is full of such opportunities and it is for all of us to let this deeply take root in the mind and create situations conducive to world peace and brotherhood.
12/09/2010
