The Day the Towers Fell

The question has been asked every year on this day, “Where were you the day the towers fell?”And now it’s my chance to answer that question.

I was fourteen years old, and in school that day. What I thought was just another typical day, was something so much more. I remember sitting there quietly doing my schoolwork, when my teacher asked us to stand. He told us that one of the World Trade Center buildings had been hit with a plane.

To be honest, I didn’t even know what the World Trade Centers were. I had never been to New York, and had never even heard of them. I was sad to hear about it, but I did not fully comprehend what was going on until later.

After we went back to our schoolwork, we were told a little while later that another plane had hit the other tower. I remember my teacher had his computer on and was keeping up with everything going on at the time. We were eventually dismissed for lunch and that was all everyone was talking about. The younger kids were scared because they didn’t understand what was going on, but so were the rest of us as well. I was starting to realize that something much bigger than I first thought was happening.

After lunch, we had a special chapel service (I went to a Christian school) to explain more what happened and to pray for everyone in the towers and who were there helping that day. We had happened to have a special evangelist there that week, and so he spoke for awhile about everything and then we prayed. We soon were dismissed and allowed to go home early.

I remember going home and sitting in front of the tv the rest of the day watching what was happening, and being scared. Wondering if anything would ever be the same again. Seeing the pictures over and over in the news, and in the newspapers. It is something I will never forget.

Nine years later, this day is still impacting many people. Whether you lost a loved one that day, have someone serving in the military because of it, or just remember every vivid detail, it is something none of us will forget.

“Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)” -Alan Jackson

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?