11 de Septiembre 1973, 2001, y 2009

In the United States, September 11, 2001 is a day that will forever haunt our history. It was a day in which thousands were killed in a few instances and more were killed trying to rescue them. Until I came here, I had no idea that September 11 has sucha a significant and equally horrific meaning to Chile.

September 11, 1973 is the day of the military coup that began the horrific dictatorship of Pinochet. From that day forward for the next decade or so, thousands of people were killed and tortured under Pinochet, thousands more disapeared without a trace- leaving their loved ones hoping for their return, unable to let go and move on.

Living here on September 11 was an interesting experience. We were warned to stay home that night because people get violent. I didn't understand why there was so much violence- afterall, Pinochet is no longer in power, who are they angry at. Now I understand that, although Pinochet is gone, the pain of the loved ones of the killed and tortured remains.

There is still a great sense of sorrow about this day. A sense of betrayal, pain, despair, but also hope. A hope for justice for those who were killed and a hope for peace. The same hopes that we have as Americans in remembering 9/11. This understanding left me with a great feeling of solidarity with the Chilean people. September 11, 2001 and el 11 de Septiembre 1973 were both days of violence, despair, and grief, but on September 11, 2009, Chileans and Americans are unified by a sense of remembrance, hope, and solidarity.