"Lest we forget..."

Today, September 11th, marks 18 years to the day when the world changed forever.  It seems strange that there is now an entire generation alive today that was yet to be born on that fateful day, September 11, 2001.  I remember that day like it was yesterday

I really have no words that can adequately convey what I am feeling today.  So many people died that day.  So many people have died in the wars that followed it.  Many of us - perhaps most of us - either personally knows or knows someone who personally knows, someone who was directly impacted by the events of that autumn day.  Our lives changed in one instant.  It's hard to convey that message to those among us who don't remember or cannot remember because the events happened before they were born.

Country music singer Alan Jackson wrote a song about September 11, 2001.  Like many of us, he first heard of the attacks on the morning news.  Like many songwriters I suppose, he immediately felt the need to write a song about how he felt, but he simply was unable to find the words that could somehow convey his thoughts and emotions.  "I didn't want to write a patriotic song.  And I didn't want it to be vengeful either.  But I didn't want to forget about how I felt and how I knew other people felt that day."

A few weeks later, on October 28, 2001, he suddenly woke up at around 4 AM and the words just came to him.  He got out of bed and wrote his song.  And he first played it to a live audience at the Country Music Association's annual awards show on national television on November 7, 2001.  It is a beautiful song.  Pure poetry.  I can't thing of a better way to remember September 11, 2001. 

Where were you when the world stopped turnin'
That September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
Or workin' on some stage in L.A.?
Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
Risin' against that blue sky?
Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children, they lost their dear loved ones
Pray for the ones who don't know?
Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
And sob for the ones left below?
Did you burst out with pride for the red, white, and blue
And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself and what really matters?

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN, but I'm not sure I can tell you
The diff'rence in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turnin'
That September day?
Teachin' a class full of innocent children
Or drivin' down some cold interstate?
Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor?
In a crowded room did you feel alone?
Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her?
Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Did you notice the sunset for the first time in ages
And speak to some stranger on the street?
Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow
Go out and buy you a gun?
Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'
And turn on I Love Lucy reruns?
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
Stand in line to give your own blood?
Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family
Thank God you had somebody to love?

I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN, but I'm not sure I can tell you
The diff'rence in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love
I'm just a singer of simple songs
I'm not a real political man
I watch CNN, but I'm not sure I can tell you
The diff'rence in Iraq and Iran
But I know Jesus and I talk to God
And I remember this from when I was young
Faith, hope, and love are some good things He gave us
And the greatest is love

And the greatest is love
And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turnin'
On that September day?

So today, of all days, please remember.  Light a candle.  Listen to a song.  Raise a flag.  Say a prayer for peace.  Do whatever you do.  Just remember.  Lest we forget.