Two major anniversaries speak to completely different views of humanity. One takes a twisted, warped view of a major religion in an attempt to subjugate or destroy. The other offers an ideal where everyone is completely, 100 percent free to look, love, believe, etc., as they do and wish while tolerating — even celebrating — differences in others.

It’s ironic the 15th anniversary of the cowardly 9/11 terrorist attacks, which took approximately 3,000 lives and changed America forever, came so closely on the heels of the 50th anniversary of the most positive television show ever, Star Trek.

We should never forget what happened on 9/11 — the people killed, the physical and spiritual devastation caused. However, we should also strive to reach Gene Roddenberry’s vision of that better world. A world where everyone recognizes infinite diversity in infinite combinations is better for us than a mistrustful, fearful, hate-filled xenophobia that narrows our definition of “human.”

Fifteen years ago, in the aftermath of those planes hitting the Twin Towers and the Pentagon and crashing into a Pennsylvania field, I wrote that we have to remember to be mad at the right people. Muslims (followers of Islam) are not our enemies — it’s the terrorists who twist Islam to their own perverted vision. As are extremist Christians who still follow the KKK or extremist Jews (yes, they exist). They do not make up the majority of their respective religions or countries. Do not persecute all for the acts of the few.

When we can remember and honor the deaths and sacrifices of those killed on 9/11 and the heroes who have fought since then and, yet, respect and love our neighbors — whoever they may be — then we will have realized Roddenberry’s vision of the world as it should be.

A world where we can say, “Live long and prosper,” and really mean it.

Martin Cahn is managing editor of The Farmville Herald. His email address is Martin.Cahn@farmvilleherald.com.