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opinion:
forum
London
felt like America for a day
LONDON - For the first time in history, the U.S. national anthem
was played at the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham
Palace.
It was a tribute ordered by the queen for the victims of last
Tuesday’s attacks, and despite all the horrors that prompted
this unprecedented event, it was one of the greatest moments
in history. I was there, watching history happen, and it was
my defining moment as an American.
I stood with thousands of others, heard soft voices singing
"The Star Spangled Banner," saw the unity on our faces,
and felt the tears in all of our eyes as we held our right hands
over our hearts and felt hope for the first time since Tuesday.
It was an experience that can only be described as "uniquely
American."
The outpouring of emotion and support from the British community
and government during this difficult time has been amazing.
Memorial services have been scheduled all over London, thousands
have left flowers and candles around the statue of President
Franklin D. Roosevelt in Grosvenor Square, and all of Europe
observed a three-minute silence today, another unprecedented
event.
It is a remarkable thing to be in central London and see all
activity come to an absolute halt, including television and
radio programming, stock exchange trading, court case proceedings
and public transportation. It’s not something I’ll soon, or
ever, forget.
Reports claim that 800 million people were silent across not
only Europe, but also Asia and Australia; another reassurance
to me that good can exist in the midst of tragedy, and a testament
to the human ability to rebuild, heal, and support one another.
In everyday life here, as well, the support of the British people
has been phenomenal. In pubs, clubs and tube stations people
have shown concern for me as an American student, and asked
about the well-being of my family and loved ones.
With both my parents working for the U.S. government and a boyfriend
who is a Persian Farsi linguist (one of the languages spoken
in Afghanistan) in the U.S. Army, my own worries are natural.
To have complete strangers worrying for and about me that is
something extraordinary.
In addition, I heard Prime Minister Tony Blair’s public address
on the attacks before I heard President Bush’s. Blair’s was
poignant and heartfelt, and his expression alone showed heartfelt
sincerity.
At the same time, I am reading American newspapers online, and
articles that recount the recent surges in U.S. military enlistments
make me weep with pride at how our nation is pulling together.
As a student abroad, I am fortunate enough to be in a country
that supports my own. I am even further blessed to be finding
and receiving solace from two countries, rather than one.
I am amazed, inspired, and grateful that what was despair and
fear has turned to solidarity and uncontainable patriotism.
Where initially I felt farther from home than ever and as if
the Atlantic Ocean had tripled in size, I now feel at home and,
more importantly, among family.
From 5,456 miles away, I’ve never been more proud to be an American.
Cynthia Tom is a junior journalism major from Cal State Long
Beach studying at South Kensington University in London this
semester. |
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