In Memory and Honour of September 11, 2001
Just as many other indescribable events in our lifetime, (the first time man landed on the moon, and the day President Kennedy was shot; to name a couple) I am sure we all remember where we were when we heard the incredible and very tragic news of the 9/11 attacks. To say that fear was rampant, and that the events taking place were beyond comprehension is probably a understatement.
I remember hearing the news just after the first plane went into the World Trade Center, via a telephone conversation and I was stunned, in complete disbelief that this was actually taking place or that it had taken place.
I couldn’t seem to get to a radio fast enough, as I had no access to television initially. I turned the radio on just as the second plane crashed into the World Trade Center. Again, was this really happening? It was incomprehensible. It almost seemed like the end of the world was near, and I guess for most of us, it truly was the end of our world as we had known it.
For the many lives lost that day … in total 2,993 people
To the families, friends, and colleagues affected by this tragedy,
I send my thoughts and prayers to you on this day, and I humbly ask that the world never forgets.
To me, one of the most beautiful tributes that came from this most horrible of days is a song written and sung by Alan Jackson. I would like to share those words with you today …
Blessings to All, Francesca
“Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)”
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day
Out in the yard with your wife and children
Working on some stage in LA
Did you stand there in shock at the site of
That black smoke rising 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
Who lost their dear loved ones
And 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 in pride
For the red white and blue
The heroes who died just doing what they do
Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
And look at yourself to 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 difference 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 turning that September day
Teaching a class full of innocent children
Driving 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 the first time in ages
Speak with 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 watching
And turn on “I Love Lucy” reruns
Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger
Stand in line and 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 difference 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 difference 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
The greatest is love
The greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day