Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?

I remember exactly what I was doing 8 years ago when I heard about the planes crashing into the WTC.

I was on my way to work cursing San Diego traffic when I heard about the plane crash into the first tower. Moments later when they announced the 2nd plane crash, my heart sank with the realization that it was intentional and not a mere accident. I vividly remember the rest of the drive to work wondering what this would all mean.

At the time I worked as a contractor at a Naval Center and upon walking into the office you could feel the heaviness of hearts in the room. Many had tears in their eyes wondering what was going to happen next and what our  next steps would be to do our part.

I remember getting sent home for a couple of days because only “essential” personnel were to go to work. I remember not wanting to do anything “fun” because I felt like I was betraying those that had lost their lives. I remember crying because I didn’t feel safe.

I also remember the days that followed and the brotherhood all Americans shared regardless of race, class, or background. I remember being the proudest I had ever been to be an American.

If you haven’t yet today, please take a moment to remember. Remember the many men, women and children that lost their lives, the soldiers fighting for others’ freedom, and the soldiers that have lost their lives fighting for that freedom.

I still can’t listen to the below Alan Jackson’s song without getting choked up. Mostly because I remember exactly where I was that day.

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
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
The greatest is love
The greatest is love
Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day