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I was 11 years old when I walked in and saw my father crying. It was the day after the first world trade center attack and he had just received the news that my cousin was killed.

Let us fast forward to Sept 11 2001. I was 19 then and I remember coming home from a college course to see my parents and my aunt glued to the television. There was smoke coming from the first tower and my aunt was on the telephone screaming at her husband to get out. Being an optimist, my uncle was trying to reassure her that things were under control - that he would be fine. The next few minutes were difficult. As the second plane crashed into the towers, his voice changed to one of urgency saying, "I'm getting out right now," only it was too late. He could not quickly exit due to the masses of people evacuating. After the first tower collapsed my aunt tried desperately to speak to her husband in vain - he was not one of the fortunate ones to get out in time.

To this day I still remember my aunt's desperate plea to get her husband to answer the phone. This went on for two hours as the rest of my family knew all to well what had happened. I was one of the thousands of people who had lost a loved one in the world trade center attacks. It is important to remember those who have lost their lives, and more importantly the very familiar word left behind - terrorism.

There are many definitions of terrorism that exist but in its simplest form it is the "systematic use of violence, terror, and intimidation to achieve an end." Terrorism is something that has always existed and will always exist. Let's keep in mind that terrorists are not crazy and are just as smart and capable as the rest of us. What separates them is society. Poor living conditions and a warped social scale not the Muslim faith - are the two largest contributors of terrorism.

Place yourself in a terrorist position. You do not have a job, your family is starving and there is no opportunity for you to move up in society. Would you sacrifice yourself to save your family? Even if you did not believe that by blowing yourself up you will go to heaven (because you are a martyr), your family may be all the influence you need. Many terrorists receive a large sum of cash for their families and their families are taken care of after they are gone. What is worse, you sacrificing yourself and being a hero or your whole family dying of starvation?

So that brings us back to why is it important to remember the 9/11 terrorism attacks? There are thousands of eager young individuals lined up for a large payoff. Terrorism requires little education, little training and anyone can do it. However, as long as the United States is leading the war on terror, terrorists will have to look to other countries to engage their acts of terror. We must remain strong and not forget the past, 9/11 was a wake-up call that we must relive each anniversary.

Learn more about this author, Ryan Gordon.
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