Sept. 11 - Where Were You?

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

September 11, 2001. The day it was proven to America that we are not infallible. I was in the kitchen eating breakfast with my mom when my dad came running in from the outside and turned on the tv. We watched in disbelief and worry as I'm sure most of the country did. I remember going to work that night and the gas station next door was complete chaos, everyone sure that gas prices were going to soar (it just took a few years after that). And I... I was waiting for World War III.

World War III never happened. But what did happen was a frenzy that stirred the country. Within a week almost every car had some type of American flag waving from it, painted on it, or a magnet stuck to it. Everyone was wearing red white and blue and sticking up for the fifty stars and thirteen stripes that represent this country. Hopes of a better world may have been dashed, but for a month or two after 9-11 the country as a whole was united. We did as Alan Jackson said "burst out in pride for the red white and blue, The heroes who died just doing what they do" and we saw the whole picture of what really matters.

Eight years later I rarely see an American flag on a car, red white and blue seem to be the colors we wear on holidays, and our heroes, while somewhat supported are used by activists to try and end a war. Instead of saying how brave they are, how patriotic, the activists just point out the deaths in a year, in a month and say it's time to pull out of the middle east. What they don't tell you is that more people die in a year on our roads, then in Iraq. All you hear when you turn on the tv is republicans vs. democrats. There is no middle ground, there is no agreeing or compromise... there is no more country-wide faith hope and love that inspired this nation after the terrible events of 9-11.

Maybe we forgot to be Americans to soon. But as the anniversary approaches, we will remember for at least a day the red white and blue. And maybe while we remember we can improve our thoughts, hopes and prayers for this nation and "thank God you had somebody to love." So I leave you with the a reminder that being a patriot should last all year and also with the rest of Alan Jackson's words... because I couldn't really have said it any better.

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