The year the World Trade Center was bombed in New York, Alan Jackson won the Country Music Award for his song about the tragedy.
++++
Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?
Before going to the entire lyrics, I was particularly struck by this small but startlingly effective selection:
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
++++
These are the lyrics to the entire song:
Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?
Were you in the yard with your wife and children
And sob for the ones left below?
And the heroes who died just doin’ what they do?
I’m not a real political man
You the difference in Iraq and Iran
And I remember this from when I was young
Close your eyes and not go to sleep?
Or speak to some stranger on the street?
Or go out and buy you a gun?
This intensely country music perspective on the Twin Tower Tragedy demonstrates the breadth of the Tragedy for the U.S as a whole. This is a tragedy equivalent in significance to the United States when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.
Pearl Harbor convinced Congress formally to declare war and have the United States enter World War II as a critically important Ally.
++++
Alan Jackson’s song demonstrates the breadth and death of the great grief throughout the United States.
Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning Graphic video
Warning:
When you click on the arrow of this video you will be presented with startlingly vivid detailed images of Ground Zero.
You will see the planes crashing into the Twin Towers. You will see the injured and dead. You will cry.
Be prepared.
++++
If you are not a fan of country music, this video is worth watching in mute just for the graphic portrayal of the Tragedy.
I was reminded of this Alan Jackson song when I became interested in the rebuilding at Ground Zero.
Now after years and years of bitter debate about rebuilding, Ground Zero construction is taking place.
The Master Planner for this massive architecture, engineering, and construction effort is the architect Daniel Libeskind who is both a U.S. and Israeli citizen.
Wikipedia notes:
“Libeskind is perhaps most famous for being selected by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation to oversee the rebuilding of the World Trade Center, which was destroyed in the September 11, 2001 attacks. He titled his concept for the site Memory Foundations.
I will will be publishing detailed accounts about Libeskind’s progress in rebuilding at Ground Zero at www.e-architect.co.uk
You might like to see the biographical information on who I am and the articles and videos I have published on the e-architect site. The site receives nearly a million hits a day. http://www.e-architect.co.uk/editors/joel-solkoff
— Joel Solkoff
Copyright 2013 by Joel Solkoff. All rights reserved.