9/11- a date that is embezzled in every American mind forever. The day the US was attacked physically, mentally, and emotionally. The horrors of the events that occurred that day 13 years ago are still present in the minds of both the staff and the students at Chapin High School, and for those who don’t specifically recall the day the videos, pictures, and interviews provide a glimpse of the terror.

As 9/11 approached CHS took time to remember the lives lost on that day. As the student body held four separate moments of silence for each flight hijacked and taken down, the staff and the students had moments to reflect back on the day.

“I was teaching history at Lexington High School when I heard that the first plane hit the tower. We thought it was an accident at first and as we heard the news that another plane had crashed into the second tower then I knew something was wrong” Coach Stogner says when asked what he remembers when he first heard the news.

For many students the news of 9/11 was even harder to comprehend. Many seniors can still remember being frightened and confused at the chaos occurring on that day. Senior Ashleigh Moore was one of these students:

“I remember being taken out of preschool and my mom listening to the radio trying to figure out what was happening. I didn’t really understand what was happening I just knew it wasn’t good. For the next week I remember seeing American flags all over buildings and cars everywhere I went.”

Not only are the memories of the events that day so vivid but the feelings towards the country and towards terrorism are still very clear to many.

History teacher Coach McLeod says “My mood towards the country was most like every other American’s at the time I was patriotic and proud to be an American. But I was mad more than anything, I wanted revenge and I wanted to get even with the people who carried out these events.”

Many students still recognize the lingering effects that 9/11 has made to this day. Junior Zack Elmer reflects on what he still sees:

“Many Americans now have stereotypes for Muslims throughout the world. I think Americans blame all Muslims for what the extremist did. The increased security in everyday life, it changed the way we live our life’s.”

Now as terrorism grows new threats begin to appear making many Americans fear of another event like 9/11 occurring again. As the extremist group ISIS has made its presence and goals known throughout the past month many people fear the worst. As Officer Catoe fought with the Marine Corps and has specialized training he presents his view on what he thinks needs to be done against ISIS to prevent another 9/11:

“They’re an extremely dangerous group. They are a national threat to this country and we need to wipe them off the map.”

As September 11, 2001 is known for the events Al-Qaida carried out on the US it is also known for the country coming together as a whole to heal from a tragedy. 13 years later the US still stands together continuing the fight reminding others, “Never Forget.”