Remembering 9-11, Part 1: "Where Were You"

In a similar aspect to that of July 4th, September 11th brings about a strong sense of patriotism and nationalism.  As we near the 10th anniversary of that fateful September morning, it is and always will be, a time spent remembering and reflecting the events of that day.  The effects of 9/11 stretch and continue to stretch all over the world.  Whether you were fleeing the scene of those doomed towers, a fireman heeding the call to serve, or watching or listening to it miles and miles away, it has affected you.  Whether you are a believer or not, it has brought you closer to the realization of the fragility of mortality.  In some way or another, 9/11 has meant something to you.

September 11th means much to me and has changed my outlook on the world.  Rather, I might say, it opened my eyes to the world and its calamity.  In a following post, I will write about how 9/11 changed me and my perspective on life.  I remember where I was and what I was doing.  I remember who I was with and where I was going that day.  Do you?

W H E R E   W E R E   Y O U ?



By: Alan Jackson

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

Were you in the yard with your wife and children

Or working 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 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

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?

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

Were you teaching a class full of innocent children

Or 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 loved her?

Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened

Close your eyes and not go to sleep?

Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages

Or speak to some stranger on the street?

Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow

Or 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

Did you 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?

w h e r e     w e r e    y o u    o n    t h a t    S e p t e m b e r    d a y ?