As time passes and memories fade, perhaps someone will eventually ask: “What is the point of remembering September 18th?”
In my personal view, the significance of remembering September 18th lies in this: it serves as a constant reminder that a large nation, once it falls into weakness, will inevitably invite the predatory gaze and aggression of wolves.
What can be done?
The only answer is to remind ourselves, always: the world stage is a cruel dark forest. For large nations especially, one must pursue self-reliance and self-strengthening — the power to withstand crisis.
Without it, there will be many, many bad actors who wish to see us wither and perish, until we become the smallest of microbes in that dark forest.
Some disagree with this view. They point to small nations — completely powerless — who seem to be getting along just fine.
My answer to that is this: a chess piece can be put to use. A chessboard can serve its purpose. But a chess player has only one path — to keep growing and advancing.
Small nations are the pieces and the board. Great nations are the players.
Small nations have a way out. Great nations do not.
And we — we are a great nation.
So we remember the pain of September 18th. This is precious knowledge, bought with the blood of those who came before us.