Editor’s Note: With the anniversary of 9/11 comes reflections of Americans across the nation of the day that altered the world. Sept. 11, 2001 changed everything in a different way for the Hounshell family. Sports Editor Nick Hounshell was born on Sept. 11, 2001, 16 years ago. Nick reflects on the day -his birthday- that changed the face of America.

September 11th is a day of national mourning for almost all Americans. 16 years ago, the worst terrorist attack on American soil flashed across every television, leaving everyone in a daze. One of these TV’s hung above my mother’s bed, as she lay in the hospital, ready to give birth to me.

The horror and confusion most people felt on that day couldn’t be avoided. However, in addition to these, my parents felt joy. Their second child, and first son was about to be born.

Growing up, many people ask me, “What’s it like having a birthday on 9/11?” Honestly, I think that having my birthday on 9/11 has helped me gain a better understanding and knowledge of that day.

There are certain challenges about having a birthday on a day like today. I can’t help but to be happy; after all it is my birthday. I’m another year older, have another year of experience, and am another year closer to growing up.

However, it’s important on a day like today to keep in mind the victims of the horrible attack 16 years ago today. I always try my hardest to not forget those events. I don’t allow myself to be caught up in my birthday, when today is not about me.

Having a day like September 11^th, 2001 being your birthday allows me to gain a better understanding of the events of that day as well. Every documentary I watch about that day, hits a little closer to home. I have visited Ground Zero, and the 9/11 Museum in New York City multiple times, and every time I visit them, I almost feel connected to them.

Something that most people probably don’t consider when they think about that day are the things that have come from it. The entire nation was unified, in support of the military, the people of New York, and the sense of community among the citizens of the U.S. for the months after the attack soared to new heights.

In many ways, having my birthday on a day like today has helped me become who I am. The horrifying moments from this day will forever be remembered, and because of 9/11, I have been able to keep myself humble.

Let’s not make today about ourselves, but rather those who were affected. Having 9/11 as my birthday humbles me, and because of that I see that today isn’t about myself. Let’s make today about the mass amounts of heroes who rescued people, those who saved countless lives, and laid down their own. Today is about them.