Spirit of Sept. 11 not for holiday

President George W. Bush declared last week that Sept. 11 would be called Patriot Day, and that federal offices would fly their flags at half-mast. Bush asked Americans to fly their flags at half-mast and to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., the time the first World Trade Center building was struck. \nWhite House officials told The New York Times it was unlikely that Bush would declare the day a national holiday.\nWe applaud Bush's commemoration of Sept. 11, but a day off to remember the anniversary of the attacks is unnecessary. Sept. 11 is not a reason to take a vacation, nor does there need to be any excuse to commercialize the day. It is a time for reflection and remembrance, not celebration. The best way we can honor those who perished is to continue our daily lives as we normally would -- showing those who wish the U.S. ill that the American spirit has continued unbroken.\nThe horror of Sept. 11 will always live in the hearts and minds of the American people. Much like the events at Pearl Harbor and Normandy, the true character of Americans shined through. The events of that day showed our vulnerabilities -- but most importantly, it showed our strength as a nation. No holiday can make this day any more important.\nBoth the IU campus and Bloomington community have organized a host of events in honor of the day. A campus-wide remembrance ceremony, which will be held at 4 p.m. at Showalter Fountain is among the many campus events. The City of Bloomington will hold a remembrance ceremony at 7:45 a.m. at Seminary Park. 3,015 daffodils will be planted in honor of the 3,015 victims of the attack. There will be many opportunities both locally and nationwide to remember the victims and heroes of Sept. 11.\nWe will never forget the lives who were lost that day or the incredible heroism of so many Americans who led us through those dark times with their patriotic contributions. \nFly your colors proudly Sept. 11. And go to work, school and church with your head held high -- America has prevailed again.\n- Erin Nave for the editorial board