One year later, don’t come to me for money
Asking for donations and commercializing Sept. 11 will not help those who grieve heal.
COMMENTARY
Jacque Petersell

It’s time to do your part. In loving memory of those who died in the Sept. 11 attacks, you should volunteer in your community.

We can’t forget those who perished. To do your part, join the armed forces today.

Many lives were cut short on that day, but the pain doesn’t end. Donate now to those who lost a loved one.

Maybe it’s just me. Maybe it’s because the first anniversary of the attacks is nearing, but it seems that many organizations are pushing for increased involvement. They need more money and more volunteers. The armed forces need more help. And if we help, somehow it will ease the pain of what happened.

Pull on our hearts. Make us cry. Show us the photos in your commercials. Remind us of what we lost. Then tell us it will be OK, if we help.

Call me insensitive, if you must, but I don’t buy it. Why, in times of trouble, do organizations implore people to do more?

It’s hard to deal with a tragedy. It’s even more difficult when there are thousands of them in one day, and more to follow during the year.

But then the commercials started. They displayed pictures of the towers in flames and crying friends and families. There are flags flying and patriotic sentences.

Next came the way out of hopelessness. Bright smiles and people working together. Volunteer — you will feel better. Soldiers training next to a flag. Join us — we will win this battle. Send some money to help the family members. You’ll be able to sleep tonight.

For some, doing volunteer work isn’t the way to cope. Joining the armed forces, even if it’s needed, may not be the answer.

We want to send money, we really do. But sometimes, there just isn’t any money to spare.

These are not the only organizations at fault. There are commemorative coins, special photos, bracelets, and pins. You see them sold in late-night infomercials. In just two easy payments, this coin could be yours. This coin, that marks a second day that will live in infamy, could sit on a shelf in your house for all to see.

But is that how those lost in the attacks would want to be remembered? As a piece of metal you wear or display?The $30 that you would spend on something like that is probably padding the makers’ pockets now.

It’s been a year. Those lucky enough to move on have. Others still see the towers falling in their nightmares. Playing on their emotions to benefit any organization isn’t necessary. It might even make some people feel worse.

People will heal, in their own way, in their own time, and by their own methods. They won’t heal by watching commercials of more people in need. They won’t heal by giving their time and money. Those still grieving need help of their own.

When the time comes, I’ll do my part. I’ll wave the flag, shed a tear, hug my neighbor. But let me remember the victims in my own way.

Don’t show me the pictures. Don’t make me remember that day. And don’t tell me it will all be better, only if I volunteer.

Copy Desk Chief Jacque Petersell is a senior news-editorial journalism major from Houston.