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Witnessing History at the White House

Last night, America witnessed history as our Commander in Chief announced that U.S. forces had killed al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. After a mysterious announcement from the White House that the President would appear for this unusually late and last-minute address, speculation immediately started flying over the Twitter and Facebook platforms. By the time the story was leaked and the President began to speak, hundreds had already gathered at the White House to celebrate the demise of this sworn enemy of America.

Like my parents who remember the exact time and place when they learned Kennedy was shot, I recall learning of bin Laden’s 9/11 attack on America while at junior high school. For the first time, I learned the word “terrorism” and the name “bin Laden,” and sat transfixed by news reports as teachers suspended their lessons for the day. Before that day, the World Wars had seemed ancient history, Vietnam my parents’ war, and the conflict in Bosnia light-years away; national security was something for other people to worry about while we remained safe at home. This was the beginning of my realization that America was vulnerable and it was up to us – our generation – to make sure we remain strong.

Watching the President’s closing remarks on my iPhone, I sprinted to the White House last night to meet up with other SLDN staff, including some proud veterans. From blocks away, we could see other people our age doing the same – running, excitedly calling to each other, and beginning chants of “USA! USA!” as soon as the White House was in view. The crowd was overwhelming outside the White House gates. With people climbing trees and light posts to hang American flags, popping champagne at every opportunity, and singing the most robust patriotic songs they could think of, the raucous but respectful crowd was fitting to celebrate a symbolic turning point in American history.

The vast majority of the crowd at the White House last night was part of my generation – part of America that likely learned about our ongoing vulnerability at the same time I did that day in junior high. Arranging meet-ups through the new world of social networking, we ran to one of our nation’s proudest landmarks just to be there at this historic moment. No speaker, no performer, no agenda – just a community celebrating a victory for the greatest country in the world.

After the disillusionment of my generation with partisan gaming in Washington and multiple wars that have stretched on for the better part of half of our lifetimes and claimed the lives of some of our siblings and friends, the refreshing act of patriotism at the White House last night was a moment of renewal. Accompanying the vast array of American flags were individual service flags, and military pride was in full swing.

Military service may not be as common for our generation as for our parents’, but events like last night prove that young people’s patriotism is alive and well. In our short lifetimes, we have seen the adaptation of the military from a post-Cold War behemoth to a leaner fighting force; we have seen the first women rise to the rank of general; we have seen both the institution and repeal passage of the shameful “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law. From battles on the frontlines in Afghanistan to those at home in Congress, we are still fighting and still proud to be American.

05-02-11 By Elizabeth Shirey, SLDN Grassroots/Policy Advocate |