In Memory of those who died Five years ago in D.C. Pennsylvania and New York. We will never forget.
A five years after the attack on the United States, and people have already forgotten the pain and devastation that was so very real weeks, months, and maybe years later.
But maybe not years.
At least, not if you've been watching the news or listening to most of your fellow country-men.
I don't know about you, but i know that i've heard more than one adult who has repeatedly trashed our president and his decision to go to war after September 11.
War means death, pain and fear for our servicemen and women, and i acknowledge this, and respect this, and the worry this causes for their family.
But i also acknowledge and respect that our men and women are fighting for us and our protection from terrorists who if they had their way, would probably kill ever last American here.
Millions of people are protesting our war and saying to settle all of this in peaceful ways, and i wish that it could be this simple. Don't we all wish that we could have no more wars?
But to these people i ask this: Have you forgotten the pain that resided in so many hearts on September 11th? Did you watch the television, not even fazed, and say that "Oh, we shouldn't do anything, wars are stupid. No one should be shown that if you mess with the United States then you'll be taught a lesson."
And to you people who loathe president Bush for his desision: Can you stand by and allow these monsters to murder thousands of innocent people, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons, grandmothers and grandparents, and walk away scotch free?
You might think that because no one close to you was affected by this, that you're all good and fine, and cannot feel the pain of so many Americans, that we should not strike back.
I think you're wrong.
I don't appreciate the idea of our men and women putting their life on the line, but i do appreciate that America is going after the demons who caused so much grief.
I was only in third grade, and i didn't understand why my family was so somber, quiet tears streaming down their faces as they watched in silent shock the fright on the television, their mouths hung open in disbelief that people could be so evil.
I didn't realize that all of this was so devastating, and thought that it was some movie that was being played over and over.
It wasn't until i saw a clip on the news of a person jumping just before the tower collapsed that i understood that there were real people in those buildings. Real people who, in their utter terror, would have rather jumped from so high than stay in the building that would collapse and crush them to a fiery death.
Five years later i look back on the day when i came home and my sister had to explain what a pentagon was by drawing in on a piece of paper, and i remember how i sat on the floor, my eyes crying tears that i didn't understand. Crying tears that shed because i was following the suit of my mother who was terrified about my father having to fly home.
Five years later i think of all of the people who protest the war, who protest President Bush and cry. I cry the tears that these people obviously didn't shed that horrible day that our Nation was kicked out from under us.
The day the Pentagon was attacked. The day that the woods in Pennsylvania claimed forty-five people. The day that our two towers fell.
"Where were you when the
world stopped turnin'
that September day?
Out 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
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
that lost their dear loved ones?
Did
you 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 for 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 hope it never
happened;
And 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;
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 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.
And the greatest is Love.
And the greatest is Love.
Where were you when the world stopped turnin'
that September
day?"
-Alan Jackson, Where Were You
(Written by Kelly Nichols)