Words cannot capture the range of the emotions rekindled this week in the United States. Unbelievably, a year has already passed since unforgettable tragedies occurred on Sept. 11, 2001, in New York, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. Many Americans already have these acts burned permanently in their memories, but find themselves unable to look past the terrible suffering that took place. These roadblocks to healing however, are not the fault of individuals. Because of the intensive media coverage today, many people are being bombarded with emotional images that remind everyone of the incalculable losses suffered by millions across the globe. I am certainly not suggesting our society should forget these crimes, but our country must try and look past these cowardly acts to find something beneficial. A few evil men sought to change the United States with one cataclysmic event by working together in what they felt was a “worthy cause.” Honestly, the terrorists succeeded; they have changed the United States forever. However, our nation has changed; it has changed for the better. One area that has particularly undergone a transformation is our security. Billions of dollars have already been funneled into several new bills, laws and organizations established for one purpose: to keep the nation protected. Not only has money been deposited into legislature that promises safety, but also our once deteriorating military is now being given a much larger budget to help develop new strategic defense capabilities. Due to this larger budget, uncountable terrorist plots to destroy our country have been discovered in the most desolate areas around the globe. Although travelers still fear airports and planes, security in these areas is consistently increasing. New procedures are being introduced almost daily. For example, more armed security guards have been placed in airports to screen suspicious situations or individuals.Safety and security at airports is not the only legacy of Sept. 11. Even though thousands of people died, leaving countless families to mourn their loved ones, many broken homes across the world have been repaired after realizing their arguments, whatever about, were suddenly not important as each other’s safety. In addition, thousands of new friendships formed as our country bonded together to help each other, simultaneously regenerating patriotism. Individuals who have never been affiliated to organized religion also turned to a higher power in search of answers and, in the process, they found a new faith. When looking back, one should not only see pain and sorrow, but should focus on developing better ways for the nation to grow together and protect generations to come. The pain caused by one day is hard enough to bear. But we as a nation should work together to help those who are grieving, not by reminding them of the day they will not forget, but to unite in creating a new, optimistic future.