When we awoke six months ago today, it was hard to imagine much good could possibly come from the horrible images on TV.

But six months later, the tragedy has changed both America — and UW — for the better.

As a nation, we are more united, resolved and patriotic.

As a community, UW is also stronger. Early fears of local vengeance quickly gave way to a near-universal condemnation of bigotry and a renewed respect for one’s countrymen. Dissenting opinions, including anti-American sentiment, are addressed in the arena of free debate, a concept increasingly embraced here at UW. On a campus famous for anti-war protests, most UW students have shown tremendous support for the current campaign in Afghanistan. Such unity is evidence of how personally Sept. 11 touched each of us.

As the world marks the six-month anniversary today, we should all pause and reflect on the moment that changed our lives forever. Out of the evil that awoke us Sept. 11, some good did come — a fact worth remembering.