9/11 Tribute

I was thinking today about 9/11, 2001. My family was vacationing in Orlando that week. There are six kids in my family, so big vacations didn't happen very often and this was a huge deal for us. We had all saved and saved to help pay for the trip.

We arrived in Orlando on Sept. 9th. The morning of the 11th, we were in one of the theme parks. We were standing in line for one of the roller coasters and one of the ladies in front of us turned around and asked us if we knew what was going on. We said no, and she told us what had happened. I didn't believe her and thought she must be crazy. How could something like this happen here, in our country? It didn't take long before someone came over the PA system and announced that the park was closing. Then, they said that there would be a moment of silence. I looked around and remember seeing literally thousands of people drop their heads and close their eyes. I watched friends and families embrace and cry. After that moment of silence, 'God Bless America' was played over the intercom. Everyone stood motionless and started singing together. I didn't know any of those people in the park that day, but I felt so close with each of them.

What an amazing blessing we have to live in this country. A country where men, women, and children of different races, backrounds, and religions can unite in a moment of tragedy to pray to God. I will never forget that day, or the way that I felt standing in that theme park.

God bless America.

I heard this song by Alan Jackson a few years later. Every time I hear it, it brings tears to my eyes.

"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