It's an interesting question: should 9.11 be made a national holiday? A poll has found no overwhelming support among Americans on the issue, but I think it's a valid question. The issue, of course, is how best to remember the events and the heroes who played a role.
I think that, as a nation, we've shown that we can use holidays to both commemorate (Martin Luther King Day) and recreate (Labor Day). Do we need another holiday, another day off work? The easy answer would be that another day off is always a good thing, and I certainly wouldn't dispute that. IS a holiday the best way to remember those who died? Speaking for myself, I know that having a day to reflect on the events and the friend I lost would be appreciated. I would like nothing better than to be able to pause and reflect on 9.11. Still, I've got to eat, and having to work that day might just be the best thing for me. Keeping busy and focused on things outside myself might be a healthier way to deal with things a year later.
As far as a holiday goes, I like the idea, but I'm not sure I want to see another holiday disintegrate into just another jingoistic celebration of unquestioning patriotism. I'd hate to see a holiday honoring 9.11 degenerate into something that uses Toby Keith's "Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue" as a theme song.
