The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is the United States’ official approach to honoring the events of 11 years ago.  While news organizations like Fox and the Bel Air Patch support turning Sept. 11 into a national holiday, it’s unacceptable because it would not give this tragedy the respect it deserves.

The problem with turning Sept. 11 into a holiday is just that: it would be a holiday.  People don’t think about past presidents on Presidents’ Day, Civil War soldiers on Memorial Day, or workers on Labor Day.  They think of the extra hours of sleep they’ll get and their plans for a day off of school or work.

The majority of American young people, and even adults, don’t honor the meaning behind national holidays.  It would be an insult to those involved in and affected by the terrorist attacks if Sept. 11 was thought of as just an escape from a classroom or an office.

A National Day of Service and Remembrance is the best way to inform the upcoming generation, which has no firsthand knowledge of the terrorist attacks.   When schools convene on Sept. 11, teachers remind the students of what happened that day, which allows memories to be shared by both.  The interactive discussions that usually occur allow students to learn more than they would by sitting at home.

The best way to honor Sept. 11 is to ensure that it is never forgotten.  The generations who did not witness it must listen to the stories of the generations who did.  This tribute is exactly what the National Day of Service and Remembrance promotes.

As more incoming freshman classes have dimmer memories of that day, we must work harder to make the history clear.  More must be done in addition to the morning announcements and scattered class discussions that already occur.  One easy addition could be having witnesses come and speak for even 30 minutes about their experiences.

If we really wanted to go all out, the administration could cancel classes and organize a shortened day devoted to activities honoring Sept. 11.  A retreat-like setting would be open to presentations by different speakers and even speeches by students.  Although students would be missing a day of classes, they would learn more about the history of their country, fellow citizens, and even the faculty members with stories about that day.

No matter how it happens, the most important thing is to never forget the significance of Sept. 11 and the lasting effect it has had on the United States.  The best way to do this is not by instating a national holiday, but by continuing observance of a National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Rebecca Driver is a Copy Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com