What I remember most about this day is my four year old son telling me "When I get big, I'm going to stop the bad guys from killing people." He ended up joining the Navy where, in conjunction with the Coast Guard, they intercepted a boat of drugs and humans being trafficked. The traffickers set the boat on fire in order to destroy the "evidence." He boarded the burning boat and went below deck to free the people who were trapped. I got to tell him "You did it, baby boy. You stopped the bad guys from killing people." Proud mom moment right there.
I was living with an abuser. I was already emotional because of the beatings. I was trying to figure how to get out. I was working at Whataburger in Tx. Standing in break room just staring at the tv in disbelief, and crying. I fell to my knees and started praying.
I was sitting in my living room getting ready for work when my mom called and said to turn on the TV. I started crying in shock. I lived about 45 minutes away from where the 3rd plane went down. I called my son's school he was 8 at the time I reported off work and went and got him. All I could think was if it was our time I wanted to be with him. It was bar none one of the worst days of all Americans lives. I'll never forget it! Still gives me chills! Got Bless all that lost their lives!
My uncle plays bass guitar for Alan Jackson. His name is Roger Wills. He used to play for Reba McIntire. Love Alan, he is such a great singer/song writer.
One thing I’ve learned is we may be divided internally we stand together as a nation. Think of it like two siblings that fight constantly, but will give their life to defend one another from outside/external threats.
@@dylangarrison3028 This is very true. It never fails, when you have two Americans argue over politics or the condition of the country, but then once someone from outside the country start to insult or bicker about our country, the two American's unite for a moment to shoo away the other person lol.
I really miss who we were as a country. We were one, we were all just americans. No black or white, gay or straight, rich or poor, republican or democrat. I really believe we would be so much better if we could get back to that.
I was 22 at the time, working the easiest job in the world as a country radio dj. We spent all day covering the tragedies from NY, DC, and PA. I joined the USAF in October and was in basic training by January because I wanted to do my part in making sure another 9/11 didn’t happen again. I spent the next 16 years deploying until multiple back surgeries forced me to be medically retired from active duty.
On this day 2:30 am I gave birth by c-section and had just come out of recovery, I was very sad that this would be what everyone would remember every time he gave his birth date. My son is now a firefighter and was inspired by the great people that fought valiantly to save others. God bless you and your family
What I love most about this song is that there’s no finger pointing trying to place blame. It’s about your friends, family and neighbors and loving all the people that are in your life because you never know when it’s your time.
I was living in Hawaii as my husband was in the Navy. I had just woke up to nurse our 2 week old son. I turned on the TV and the first tower had just been hit. I sat there crying wondering what kind of world I had just brought my son into. My husband was deployed shortly after, my father who was in the Air Force at the time was waiting on the word but luckily never had to be deployed. 22 years later that same 2 week old baby boy is now overseas serving his country in the US Army. This song make me cry everytime. Great reaction.
The sacrifices not only come from our Great Men in the Military but also the people who wait at home till they return. Thank you for your service. Love Bev from Oklahoma
IT'S SO HARD FOR ANYONE TO TO LOOSE A LOVED ONE NOR SHOULD THERE BE WARS. I'M NEAR SEVENTIE AND I WISH IT ALL ENDS, BUT I RELIZE NOW MY GRANDCHILDREN HAVE ONE HELL OF A ROAD. I WISH WE START COMMING TOGETHER IN OUR OWN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ❤GOD SPEED 💕
Alan Jackson IS country music. His voice is so amazing and clear and everything he writes is true to the genre and so human. He is an absolute national treasure.
I have started to lose faith that a lot of the younger generation today would still keep this country divided and try to find something wrong with how first responders and law enforcement respond if anything similar happened today. Sorry, but as a retired medic after 35 years, (retired in 2015) I would not want to be a first responder in today's world, so little respect for what they do.
Absolutely. I was 30...teaching...I walked through the hall and saw a TV pulled into the hallway, people gathered...I stared at the screen as the planes hit the towers, stunned. I rushed to the staff room to call my husband at home, make sure he and my toddler son were all right...we live in upstate NY and one of the planes flew over our town before arriving in the city. I called my dad to tell him and my mom I loved them. Soon after, I watched those towers fall. We gathered our students in 6th grade together to tell them the tragic news. I couldn't hold back tears as I told them I was so sorry that they wouldn't be able to stand on the observation deck of the tower like I did on my 6th grade field trip when I was their age.
NEVER FORGET!!! I was driving through the security gate of the hospital where I was going to finish my internship in Radiology. I wished I were done so I could have gone and helped. I wept like a child. How could this happen on our soil? It showed me that even in America we can’t be assured of our safety. It reminded me to be thankful. Most of all it proved what I prayed was true… that at the end of the day, in spite of our differences, we are Americans and will stand side by side and fight for our country! Land of the free and home of the brave! In In GOD on which we stand!
I still can't listen to this without tearing up. For whatever reason, the "I Love Lucy Reruns" line is when I get really choked up. I think because it's then that I realize that the simple things of yester-year ended on that day.
The CMA Version - His first performance of the song hit us all. He gave this performance from the heart. I was in Idaho. Got in the car to take kids to school. turned on local Spokane, WA fun morning show - only to hear serious news. Got home to see the towers collapse - it was right then - I knew we were at war - we will never forget. Alan Jackson gave us hope.
I long for the day that we, as Americans, can be like we were on 9/12. Love was everywhere. We didn't care about politics. We didn't care about philosophies. We didn't care about differences. We didn't care about ethnicities. We loved our families. We loved our neighbors. We loved our country. I want us to love like that again.
My mom was getting ready to through chemo treatment that morning. I was at her house. When the first plane hit, she looked at me and said :we are under attack". I thought, no, it had to an accident. My dad took her to chemo and I couldn't move. I stayed there watching as she was right. I cried and cried. When she got home 3 hours later she sat down and looked me in the eyes and told me that with faith we know this life is short and heaven is forever, remember that. She died a few months later. I'll see her again.
I called my husband and told him to turn on the news. Then I got a call from my brother Fire Chief John Ellis, who said to pray for him - he took all his vacation time and he was flying in to NYC from California to help with recovery. He spent two weeks there before they sent him home.
Those first days! I did not cry!! I was not angry for several days! But! When this happenend on Live TV not long after...I SOBBED! And have loved this song since! And EVERYRTHING he sings of is all of us!
I was “teaching a classroom of innocent children” and my Marine husband came to my classroom door and told me how bad this was… I knew our lives were going to change.
I remember exactly where I was . I was at home asleep and my fiancé was sent home from work and she woke me up crying. It took me a minute to understand her but when she turned on the tv and I seen the news I just froze. I didn't blink, breathe, or move for a good minute or so. Then it hit me what was actually happening. As I watched the second plane hit I cried harder then I ever did in my 27 years. One thing I remember the most is the kindness everyone showed each other afterwards. Everyone held the door for the next person, smiled and waved to the people they passed in the store, and were just plain nice to each other. Sadly it didn't last and it shames me that not only did it take something like September 11 to bring this out in people and that it didn't last long. Well I took it upon myself to keep to doing these things for my neighbors and complete strangers. Maybe if enough of us would we could bring it back without a major tragedy.
THIS! This is what I most remember after the events occurred. I try to be this way too. Find that some ppl still are, but I agree with you. It didn't last like I wanted it to.
I remember hugging my husband so tight that day. The tears were so free flowing but after those few days it was fear… I lived up that way. I got pregnant shortly after and we moved because I didn’t want to raise a child in a „target“ city. Over the years I have come to know that there is no “target“ it can happen anywhere
@@dherald1532 Indeed it can happen anywhere but remember when a terrorist plans an attack they want to do the most damage possible to as many as possible as easy as possible. So places like NYC, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and other major cities will be the highest on the list. A small to mid sized city somewhat away from the major cities have a much lower risk.
@@cheyennemoore8380 Once in a while I will get a look for holding the door but I thank God I live in a small town and many still appreciate the gesture and even return it. I remember once I held the door for a lady that was not a local and she asked why. I replied " because mam my momma taught me respect and my grandpa taught me to be a gentleman". She got mad and started yelling at me saying she could do it all herself. I apologized and went in to get a soda and pay for my gas. I ended up in line behind her and the clerk called me forward ahead of her. When she started yelling again the clerk replied to her mam not many men are a gentleman like this man and since you can do it all yourself go make your own Doritos and soda and make your own gas. We won't serve rudeness here. Even my jaw hit the floor LOL.
Everyone saw everyone as just a fellow American. Willing to be kind and help another American out. Really wish that was the same mentality today it would be a much different world
Every line of this song hits hard, and bring back clear memories...I remember seeing a kid holding a sign saying "please find my daddy", and I had a meltdown crying.
Dear See, How good, sweet and reassuring it is to hear that you prayed for our country that night. It is hard to believe, to me, that someone in another country prayed for the USA. It seems as though the news only covers and shows people hating America. Never imagined I would hear this. thank you and God Bless your family. You were raised well.
I will never forget this. I was in 7th grade and I was in math class. The teacher Mrs. Bruno ran in and turned the TV on. This was right after the first plane hit. I watched live, the second plane hit. The emotions I felt, it is indescribable. I realized how vulnerable we could be and It was the first time I realized what terrorism was. But to watch our country unite was also powerful. Later Toby Keith did a song called courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue. Look it up. That's when we were angry as a country.
Reading that you were in seventh grade ... made me think of the time the Challenger exploded. I was in sixth grade math class. We watched it live on TV. I will never forget that either
I'll never forget 9-11 and I remember watching this performance. When he sings "did you stand in line and give your own blood?" I still feel it in my gut. This song brings me to tears every single time.
@@shadowgirl8038I was in 9th grade spanish when the first plane hit. A teacher ran over from across the hall and told us to turn the TV on. Then entire school was watching the news live as the second plane hit. I can still see and hear hear it all. At 15 years old, Our entire classroom watched people jumping to their deaths. The sounds of their bodies on impact is permanently seared into my brain. So are the sounds of my classmates screaming as each person jumped. It's crazy to think the teachers didn't turn off the TV, but I think they were in shock as well and it probably didn't even occur to them. Still makes me cry to think about.
I had 2 kids and a husband in the USMC. I got up, got them up to get ready for school. and hopped on my email really quick. A friend messaged me and said turn on the news. I immediately started crying and called my husband to ask if we were at war. He ended up going to Iraq for 7 months. The worst 7 months of my life but I supported every service man and women who went. It was a time I’ll never forget. I hugged strangers on the street. Held hands at a grocery store and prayed. It didn’t matter our color, sex, religion or the way we voted…we were all just Americans.
I was there! Survivor and first responder. Tower 1 fell on top of my office. No need to have “Never Forget” printed cuz I never will. I remember finally making it to my mother full of dust, ash, soot and she dropped to her knees hysterically crying cuz there was no way to let her know I was alive until then. I must’ve hugged my son and mother for an hour str8. I don’t have PTSD or anything but I haven’t been to the site ever since recovering the last remains we were able. Absolutely beautiful song!!! All Americans should listen to Where Were U and Red, White & Blue every year.
Went into labor that morning and prayed my son would wait until the next day as I didn’t want him to have a birthday on such a sad day….my son was born on 9/12/2001
Absolutely love Alan Jackson!! He is a legend in my eyes. I was on my way to work listening to the radio. At first I thought it was probably some stupid prank until the details slowly unfolded. We had aTV in our break room for training purposes. We had it on all day and barely got any work done. One of my employees Annie had a brother who worked at the Pentagon. And she was frantically trying to find out what happened to him. We tried our best to give her support and we all rejoiced with her when she finally was able to confirm he got out ok. Looking forward to your Remember When reaction. It's a beautiful love song.
I was in Spangdahlem Germany, active duty U.S. Air Force. We prepared for WWIII, and we had every F-16, and every A-10 fully loaded with live armament ready to take off at a minutes notice. It was a time I will never forget, seeing 60+ fighter aircraft armed to the teeth, ready to do what they were designed to do.
I was in the 8th grade, waiting for school to start when we learned about the attack. I remember my step-dad coming and picking up my brother and I from school and then watching the TV for hours in shock and awe. The greatest and my favorite memory of 9/11 was how our nation felt and reacted on 9/12. Our nation was as unified and as patriotic as I’ve ever known it to be and I can only hope we can experience that feeling again in the future.
I was just getting off of work as a Correctional Officer in a state prison, was checking my mail and my neighbor asked me "Have you been watching the news?" I ran in just in time to see the 2nd tower hit and instantly knew this was a planned attack. I remember, vividly, the cold feeling of death as I continued to watch and saw the towers fall. God have mercy on America, we've drifted so very far from you and your Word. 2 Chronicles 7:14
I was a 48 year old college student and my son was a member of Presidential Security in the Marine Corps at Camp David! I never want to feel that kind of fear again as long as I live! Love Alan Jackson and saw him in concert long before he wrote this song. My daughter and I went down to the stage to get better pictures. He reached down to shake her hand and I had a hand on his boot! I looked at her and said, "One good yank and he's ours!" LOL He's one of the greats!!!
I'd just gotten home, after a 12 hour shift in burn-trauma ICU in Rochester, NY. I called Mom to let her know I was home 0k. She called back, telling me one of the Twin Towers had been struck. We hung up, and I turned on the news. Then the other tower was hit, both now burning. I called work, they hadn't heard about it yet. Afraid we'd get burn patients, I put myself as available to come in that night, if needed. Then, the Towers collapsed. I can't describe how it felt. It still makes me sick in the heart ❤.
I was in the 9th grade, sitting in math class. A kid ran in from the main building, hollering for us to turn on the TV!!! I can remember my teacher crying and hitting her knees and praying. We all did the same. It was disbelief, grief, confusion, and loss all rolled into one. This day was the quietest day ever in our school. No one knew how to proceed. My mom came and got my sisters and I from school. She took us home and held us and prayed. We were glued to the TV that day, I remember. Seeing the way our country came together for one another was beautiful though. To see the american flag at ground zero was so patriotic. It didn't matter what you looked like, what your political beliefs were, your religion, gender identity or anything. We knew the need and we filled it. We don't do that now and that makes my heart hurt. Just wake up and do right! Be kind to your fellow human beings!
I was 20 years old in Special Forces Assessment and Selection course in the Army. My first day of the course was 9/11. They told us what happened at 7pm that day in the auditorium. We were training to be special forces so we all thought it was a training scenario until the next morning going through the chow trailer where there was a little tv with CNN playing. When people finally realized it was real after breakfast over 100 candidates dropped out of the course expecting to deploy with their units. I made it a couple weeks until i tore my hip flexor muscle and had to fly back to Georgia in a plane literally by myself, zero other passengers, just attendants and pilots.
Your mother must be an amazing and strong woman of faith to get up her kids in the middle of the night to pray for strangers thousands of miles away. Inspiring.
I was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas and had just gotten home from PT (Physical Training) to shower and change into my uniform. My wife had dropped the kids off at school and when I walked into the house, she had the TV on which she never did in the morning. She told me that there had been a terrible accident and that an airplane had crashed into the World Trade Center. While we watched, we saw the second plane hit the other tower. I looked at her and said, "that was no accident." I showered and changed into my uniform and my wife informed me that the Pentagon had been hit. We just looked at each other for a long time in silence, then all she said was, "I know." I answered, "I'm sorry," and went into the garage and grabbed my deployment bags and took them out and put them in the back of my truck. I looked over at my neighbor who was also military and he was doing the same thing. We didn't say a word, just nodded at each other. I kissed my wife goodbye and told her that I didn't know when I would be coming home. Fortunately, I didn't deploy until later, but at that point, no one knew what was going to happen. I ended up deploying two times overseas.
I was a Marine in NC, out in my yard talking with my neighbor when my wife screamed. I was an air traffic controller, so I went straight over to the radar room. It was very eerie to say the least. Today, I'm more fearful of my own government than any enemy we ever faced. Betrayal is the most bitter emotion.
I was teaching my 5th grade Social Studies class when a co-worker knocked on my door to quietly let me know what had happened. It was hard for me to keep it together for my babies. I didn't think it was my place to tell them what happened. After work, I cried all the way home for those who were present in New York that day and for the whole world and humanity. I'm tearing up just thinking about that moment when there was a knock on my door that changed our lives forever.
Jackson had finished walking outside and returned indoors to discover news of the attacks on television. He immediately wanted to write a song expressing his thoughts and emotions, but he found it hard to do so for many weeks. "I didn't want to write a patriotic song," Jackson said. "And I didn't want it to be vengeful, either. But I didn't want to forget about how I felt and how I knew other people felt that day."[2] Finally, on the Sunday morning of October 28, 2001, he awoke at 4 a.m. with the melody, opening lines, and chorus going through his mind. He hastily got out of bed, still in his underwear, and sang them into a hand-held digital recorder so as to remember them later on.[2][3][4] Later that morning, when his wife and children had gone to Sunday school, he sat down in his study and completed the lyrics.[2][5] Initially, he felt squeamish about recording it, much less releasing it as a single, because he disliked the idea of capitalizing on a tragedy.[6] But after he played it for his wife Denise and for his producer, Keith Stegall, both of whom gave their approval, Jackson went into the studio to record "Where Were You" that week.[7] On Stegall's advice, Jackson played the finished track for a group of executives at his record label. "We just kind of looked at one another," RCA Label Group chairman Joe Galante said later. "Nobody spoke for a full minute."
I too worked in travel. I remember watching SABER as all the planes were landed. I had an all experience with some clients stuck in Jamaica. Left a very bad taste in my mouth for that island.
Brought me to tears when you said you were in 6th grade and your mom got you up in the middle of the night to pray. That’s so beautiful. I was also in 6th grade when it happened, actually in class. It was a small, private Christian school so there weren’t many students. I remember the teachers crying, gathering all the students together in two small classrooms, wheeling in the old box tvs, and we all watched the news coverage in silence other than the crying and quiet prayers. School dismissed early. Mom was crying when she picked us up.
At work, a customer came in, says some plane just crashed into the world trade building. I figured it was some small plane that had trouble. He got a phone call and tells me it’s a terrorist attack. We were all shaken to our core. My son called me and said momma the buildings have collapsed. Couldn’t believe it. Our business locked up and we went to one local church. Many people there and we all held hands and prayed. The rest of the day we just could hardly work, we were so scared and heartbroken. I will never forget.
My ex husband son and I were on leave visiting family between duty stations on 9/11 ... I remember how terrified I was trying to explain it to my 4yr old while his dad was contacting his next duty command to find out what he had to do... this is an amazing song and will always bring tears to my eyes...
I always try to tell Vets 'thank you for your service". But we should also thank all the spouses & families that serve along with them. War is hell on the home front too. It's just as hard, if not more so, for the ones waiting at home. Especially the families with young kids who miss Dad & Mom while they serve. So if no one ever told you, thank you for your service too!
I was a teen, working as an editor of a weekly newspaper in South Dakota. When the second plane hit, I grabbed a camera to get a picture of someone in our small town lowering the flag to half mast. The president of the local bank did not yet know what had happened. I had to tell him. Without a word, he left his office, went outside and lowered the flag to half-mast. I spent the rest of the day taking photos of residents watching the footage, and trying to get a hold of those living in NYC at the time. I ended the work day getting photos of people going to church to pray for the victims. After I wrote my stories and chose my photos, I went home, knelt by my bed and cried my eyes out.
This is a beautiful song and brings chills every time I hear it. I love this song and it's meaning. I pray every day for all 9-11 victims, their families, the NY firefighters and all first responders. 🙏 Thank you so much for putting your life on the line to save your fellow human. You'll never be forgotten!
I was in bed... my husband woke me up to tell me a private plane flew into the WTC, then he went to work. I got up & went to the TV he had left on for me. I saw the second plane hit. Morning coffee/cigarette weren't even thought about as I realized it wasn't a private plane but a terrorist attack!! For a long time after that, any overhead airline was looked at with suspicion. Thank you Mr. Jackson for this beautiful song, no matter how heartbreaking the memory of 9/11 may be.😭😭😭
I've been to the museum too. And I would say that even though humans are capable of great destruction, we also are capable of greater love towards our fellow man
I was stationed in Germany. We we were getting ready to change a rear diff seal on a contact truck. A call came calling for QRF (quick reaction force) to draw weapons and guard the gates. Vehicles with mounted weapons were moved to guard the installation. We were placed on lockdown for close to 24 hours. My daughter was 6 months old with her German nanny, she called and said she would take care of and protect my baby girl. I didn’t see her for 3 days. As a soldier you know there is always the chance of going to battle, but that day we knew we were going to war.
20 something years later and this song still chokes me up. I can remember so vividly getting home from working a 12 night shift and my wife heading out the door to go to work and being gone maybe 5 mins before busting in the door telling me to turn on the news because a plane just crashed into the tower. I turned it on just before the second plane hit... I remember being so confused then as reality hit fear and anger set in as I realized this was no accident.. I was up for hours trying to make sense of it all.
I was recovering from a broken back, and I turned on the TV after the first tower hit. I told my boyfriend, by the time I made it back to the TV the second tower had been hit. I told him I think we are under attack. He was getting ready to leave for work and the towers fell. We both stood there with tears rolling down our faces. At the time we had no facts and we lived in a big city and he made promise to stay home because we had no idea if there were going to be more attacks, or where. It is such a powerful song! Thanks for the awesome reaction!
This song was pretty much instantly placed into the national archives, because it captured the time in American history so perfectly. I was working in a warehouse in the midwest, unloading a truck, when that first plane hit the first tower. One of my co workers ran in and yelled "We've Just Been Bombed"!!! The rest of us were like "What"?!?, then she slowed down, and explained it was on TV in the break room as she was leaving, all she knew was that the WTC was burning in New York. A short time later, I was on break, watching on TV when the second tower was hit, and it became clear that it was no accident... Nothing to do but wait it out, and hope the worst was over, and go from there... Don't forget to check out the guy who introduced Alan to the stage as well. His name is Vince Gill. I recommend "Go Rest High On That Mountain... Or if you want a different style from Vince... Try "It's Hard To Kiss The Lips..."
I was holding my now 22 year old son at 4 months old, with tears rolling down my face in disbelief wondering what kind of world did I bring my son into!? God Bless each and every one!!
I was 41 years old at the time and at work in my office. We were all listening to the radio and stopped what we were doing and gathered in the reception area in shock after the first plane hit. I felt sick listening to the live coverage and went home to get in front of the TV. For days I watched hoping that people would be found alive but finally had to force myself to turn it off. It was so traumatizing. I will never forget that day.
This song was put into the National Library of Music in D. C. No one can copy it, it is established written and recorded by Alan Jackson. No one else can touch it .
20+ years later and this song still chokes me up. I was asleep when it happened. My wife called me from work and told me to turn on the TV right after the first plane hit. I watched as the second plane hit and just grabbed my uniform and headed to base. My wife and I were both in the Navy. She was stationed with a helo squadron in Norfolk, Virginia and I was stationed at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach. It was a very tense time for us in the military, not knowing if or when we would be deployed, or who would watch our kids when we were, but it's what we signed up for and we did our jobs.
A beautiful man and a beautiful song. It took me 6 years to get over the tragedy. My husband woke me up early that morning and told me I needed to get up. There was something in his voice and a look on his face. None of us ever thought the towers would fall. The victims' families were devastated. I can still see the look in their eyes and the missing posters they put up for their loved ones who would never come home. These first responders who climbed up the stairs when everyone else was coming down. Never again I pray.
Hard to believe it's been that long ago. I was just 24, driving a semi out of Greensboro NC headed to Charlottesville, VA to deliver to a Kmart store. Like Alan Jackson mentioned in the song, I did call my mother and tell her I loved her. God bless all the families of those who died that September day. I'll never forget it.
Alan Jackson is amazing! He was my first concert in the 90's. I found out later he had the flu but still performed because he didn't want to let his fans down. Faith Hill opened for him
I was having my second cup of coffee, listening to the morning news and straightening the sofa cushions. I burst into tears and started praying. Then the second plane hit and I dropped my coffee. Hubby called and told me he was coming straight home. He's never done that before or after. To this day it's all embellishing in my mind and will be forever.
I was teaching in our local middle school. In the middle of a science lesson when a fellow teacher came and told me what was going on. The whole school watched the scene on TV. Kids( mine were 8th graders) we're shocked, then scared, then super angry. Many of them, both genders, joined up as soon as they were old enough. Yes, several years later but they never forgot. THE defining moment in their young lives
Same. I was in elementary then, but I still vividly recall it to this day. Many of my generation also joins asap. I would have as well, but health issues prevented this. Glad my mom served before thiis day though.
I was working the graveyard shift at a small community bakery in a small town. I was also new to recovery and 6 months sober at the time. I’d just gotten off work and made it home when the news came on the TV. I was horror struck and couldn’t believe my eyes. I’ll never forget how gut wrenching it was to see those people way up in the towers who knew there was no hope left and were jumping. My heart still hurts for them all these years later. I was thankful for my small community, and how everyone came together. I didn’t drink over it, even if it was the best excuse. Instead, I wept and I loved.
I remember that day as if it were yesterday, but I also remember this performance…it was breathtaking…feelings were so raw and it was like a soothing balm applied to a wound. So you were right in saying that it had an optimistic feeling to it. A little side fact…they almost didn’t let him sing it, as no one had heard it! The producers were reluctant to air a song that they hadn’t heard or approved…thank goodness more rational minds prevailed!!!
I’m an Aussie and was 30 at the time. I was sitting in my lounge room breast feeding my new born daughter watching the news in complete and utter disbelief and incredible sadness. I couldn’t quite believe what I was seeing. After it happened I decided that I would go to America every year and I have done exactly that. Many of my American friends don’t want to talk about it and I can’t really blame them. It was one of if not the darkest day in American history. 😢
I remember I was sleeping on the couch, since I had just moved to the United States, and would be moving to a bigger place later on. My brother came in and woke me up and said he heard on the radio something is going on in NY. I turned the tv on and saw the first building burning. And i saw a plane flying towards the 2nd tower, and telling my brother why that plane was flying so low, and it hit the tower. We screamed. I was crying when the towers fell and people were running, My sisters woke up and then our friends came over and we were watching for days. I couldn’t stop watching the devastation and afterwards I was angry of how could evil do this! To this day, that day is still heartbreaking for me, forever etched in my mind! Bless all who serve our country!!
I was on my way to work when I heard it on the radio. When I got to work, TV’s were roiled out so we could watch. I was horrified at the devastation that was unfolding in front of us. I cried & cried & thinking we will never be the same.😪
9/11/01 I was just waking up, watching National morning news waiting for my 2 year old daughter to wake up. When the first images started coming through and we kinda knew what had just happened, and then the second plane hit…I ran and got my baby out of bed and held her tight. Called my mom and sisters, and we all just could not believe what we just saw. We cried, prayed and then honestly got angry. Those are images I don’t think any of us will ever forget.
A year after the attacks, three of my children and I drove out East for vacation. Three special places we saw were to the sites of the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA where United flight 93 crashed into a field. My heart was so torn by these sites and the tears seemed endless. Some day, I would like to go back and visit the memorials that have been erected. There is a beautiful, but small memorial at Scott Air Force Base that I have seen several times. It's in the shape of the Pentagon, there's pieces from the wreckage, and dirt/small gravel type stones, which if I remember correctly, is for the field in PA. September 11, 2001....a day that my family, and hundreds of other people, will never forget.
I was 20 years old with a newborn daughter, she had been up and down all night and I was exhausted. I remember going into the living room to watch TV while I fed her because I was so sleepy and didn't want to doze off feeding her in the nursery. I had the TV volume very low and I remember staring at the screen and thinking I wasn't in the mood for an action movie this early in the morning, so I flipped the channel and it was the same, about 3 in a row before I truly understood that this was not a movie that we were under attack.
When he says he's just a singer of simple songs, couldn't be more true! He wrote almost all of his songs! He wrote about his life experiences and what he knew! I love Alan Jackson, definitely check out more of his stuff! Midnight in Montgomery is a chilling song
It is not a music video but The Boatlift of 9/11 is a true example of how everyone in the area of NYC pulled together to do a brave and great thing for people they did not know....
I will never forget this day. I was 21. My two brothers and I owned a lawn care business at this time. We were getting ready to leave for the day when the first tower was hit, we made it to our first job when the second tower was hit, by the time we finished that first job the pentagon was hit and we called it a day and went home. I’ll never forget. 🇺🇸
As a nurse one of the most heartbreaking things I remember was watching the newsfeeds of all the trama teams standing in the ER bays waiting for all the victims that never came. I also did almost everything he described.
This song is a wonderful example of how country music so perfectly reflects what we all feel. I saw this performance when the CMAs aired, and bawled my eyes out. To this day, it still evokes such emotion. Alan Jackson is an amazing storyteller - you HAVE to listen to Remember When!
Where was I? I was pulling into work , when my called me. The CFO from the company I worked for was on American Airline Flight 11. He was a good man like so many others who passed that day. We need to never forget or let hate take us over. Be safe
I was at home with my mom. My dad was on a work trio. I turned the tv on. I saw the twin towers smoking. I told my mom the twin towers were on fire. She asked what? I think rest of the day we watched news coverage. Dad called us. His work meeting was cancelled. Such a sad and terrible day.
That was such a sorrowful and scary time in America. Yet we came together as Americans. We stood strong together. We were America strong. What a powerful song.
I was working and a client came in, sat down at my desk with tears in his eyes. I asked him what was bothering him, and he said the planes and the buildings, the fires, the people. I had no idea what he was talking about because I hadn't heard any of it, thought maybe he was just joking. A minute later my husband called me to tell me what was happening. I sat in stunned silence and then started crying. Then anger at the ones who decided that we were the evil ones that needed to be destroyed. A day that no one should ever forget!
I am NOT an Alan Jackson fan BUT this song ROCKS!!!!! I was working for the Continental Airlines @ IAH in Houston when 9/11 went down & it hurt!!! we were all crying at work & for the next weeks!!! Airport shut down for 4 days - scary & when they opened it up - there was National Guard with guns patrolling the airport - America changed that day!!!
I was a member of the Army National Guard, had just woke up, when I saw it happening on the TV. I was in shock, realizing I might get a call any moment. We had just moved our mobile home from Wisconsin to Iowa, the contractor was working on our deck and porch. The days were spent between working on the project and waiting on a call that never came, but, I was ready to answer the call. Salute to all those who lost their lives on 9/11 and went to face the enemy in the desert of Iraq. God, for some reason spared me of Vietnam and the Gulf War, but, my Brother in Arms, many did not come back. R.I.P. Brothers. We will not forget your sacrifice!
Your Mom waking you up in the middle of the night, and then going to pray. That's what hit me in your reaction. I watched it wall to wall for 2 weeks. Although I was not Directly affected, I will never get over that day. Never. Ever. Thank you.
I was 46 at the time. I remember the events in sharp detail. I remember we were so afraid of what else was coming. You have to remember that on that day, we didn’t know when it would stop. I have found that people who watched it all happen find some comfort in sharing our personal experience. We found a passion for our country I wish we still had today. I hope it doesn’t take another tragedy to get there again.
I was in my early 30s working an excavation job. My wife was a travel agent and found out early. I sent my crew home and left to go get my 6 year old little girl. My brother in law has just a little more than 100 acres. The family all gathered there for a couple weeks. Thank God nothing else happened.
I was the mother of eight children and it was the start of our day (we homeschooled) the kids watched with mixed emotions as at first I just said o no over and over and then fell to my knees and plead to Jesus for the people of new York. I cried all day without end. That evening we stood around 2 candles and prayed long and hard for grace and courage and strength for our country but especially for NYC. (WE'RE from Texas)
I was a stay at home mom, my 2nd grade son was our only child. I immediately got on the phone to the school, the secretary told me they had brought televisions into all the classrooms, so the children could see first hand what happened!
Sebs...eventually you will have to fully face it 100%...you cannot get any better music for music, emotion, lyrics and a good story that paints a picture in your mind and hits you in your soul. ;)
We were so great on September 12th I was working in a government building. My friends' daughter had just left one of the towers. But, my coworker was terrified, because she didn't know if she was gone or not. This song captures the feelings, and answers with Love. Perfection.
one of the reasons this man is a legion in country music this song!! this moment … i truly believe america needed him to write and sing this song for us
I'll never forget that Tuesday morning. As a senior in high school, as we began first period in our history class, our teacher answered the class phone, ran down to the AV room, and wheeled in a TV. We watched in horror and awe, not knowing what was going on or understanding why. But worse than that, not realizing that this would forever change us as a nation. For a very brief moment, the country stood as one. We cared about each other, we put others before ourselves. I'm only guessing, but this must have been what it felt like on December 7th, 1941.
I was 27. Getting ready for work on the west coast, when my roommate yelled at me to come to the tv. We watched live as the second plane hit. I spent a lot of my day praying, and waiting for word on my cousin, who worked in DC, and was often at the pentagon.
What I remember most about this day is my four year old son telling me "When I get big, I'm going to stop the bad guys from killing people." He ended up joining the Navy where, in conjunction with the Coast Guard, they intercepted a boat of drugs and humans being trafficked. The traffickers set the boat on fire in order to destroy the "evidence." He boarded the burning boat and went below deck to free the people who were trapped. I got to tell him "You did it, baby boy. You stopped the bad guys from killing people." Proud mom moment right there.
God bless your great Son, Mam.
Thank him for his service ❤
😭😭😭😭👏👏👏👏Tell your son Thank You For His Service!!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I was living with an abuser. I was already emotional because of the beatings. I was trying to figure how to get out. I was working at Whataburger in Tx. Standing in break room just staring at the tv in disbelief, and crying. I fell to my knees and started praying.
I was sitting in my living room getting ready for work when my mom called and said to turn on the TV. I started crying in shock. I lived about 45 minutes away from where the 3rd plane went down. I called my son's school he was 8 at the time I reported off work and went and got him. All I could think was if it was our time I wanted to be with him. It was bar none one of the worst days of all Americans lives. I'll never forget it! Still gives me chills! Got Bless all that lost their lives!
My uncle plays bass guitar for Alan Jackson. His name is Roger Wills. He used to play for Reba McIntire. Love Alan, he is such a great singer/song writer.
Very cool you should be so proud as you obviously are I would be too. Thank him for me please his music is a gift to us all
Thats so cool! He's incredible!
This is a song about a day nobody will ever forget. I just wish our country was at as united as it was then.
One thing I’ve learned is we may be divided internally we stand together as a nation. Think of it like two siblings that fight constantly, but will give their life to defend one another from outside/external threats.
@@dylangarrison3028 That is a true, beautiful thing to say.
@@dylangarrison3028 This is very true. It never fails, when you have two Americans argue over politics or the condition of the country, but then once someone from outside the country start to insult or bicker about our country, the two American's unite for a moment to shoo away the other person lol.
Amen Brother
I think people are forgetting
I really miss who we were as a country. We were one, we were all just americans. No black or white, gay or straight, rich or poor, republican or democrat.
I really believe we would be so much better if we could get back to that.
Amen! It breaks my heart where we find ourselves now😢 I pray everyday to get back what is slipping away more each year.
I was 22 at the time, working the easiest job in the world as a country radio dj. We spent all day covering the tragedies from NY, DC, and PA. I joined the USAF in October and was in basic training by January because I wanted to do my part in making sure another 9/11 didn’t happen again. I spent the next 16 years deploying until multiple back surgeries forced me to be medically retired from active duty.
Thank you for your service and commitment to our country.
Thank you for your service
Thank you for your service.x
Thank you.
I appreciate your sacrifice. Thank you.
On this day 2:30 am I gave birth by c-section and had just come out of recovery, I was very sad that this would be what everyone would remember every time he gave his birth date. My son is now a firefighter and was inspired by the great people that fought valiantly to save others. God bless you and your family
Bless him! He must have been inspired. Or maybe a fire fighter who died that day visited you both. I hope he has a long, successful & safe career.
My birthday is September 11th as well. Is born in 87 though. Good on him for becoming a hero.
What I love most about this song is that there’s no finger pointing trying to place blame. It’s about your friends, family and neighbors and loving all the people that are in your life because you never know when it’s your time.
Agreed. A lot of other 9/11 songs focused so much on blame and anger, fanning a lot of the Islamophobia going around then
We know who to blame. Jackson didn’t need to say it.
Absolutely right. "It didnt matter who we were anymore."
Details don't factor into grief, anger, shock, which we all shared.
I was living in Hawaii as my husband was in the Navy. I had just woke up to nurse our 2 week old son. I turned on the TV and the first tower had just been hit. I sat there crying wondering what kind of world I had just brought my son into. My husband was deployed shortly after, my father who was in the Air Force at the time was waiting on the word but luckily never had to be deployed. 22 years later that same 2 week old baby boy is now overseas serving his country in the US Army. This song make me cry everytime. Great reaction.
I was just a kid in Hawaii
My dad was stationed in Honolulu when I was born in ‘98.
My mom was in the middle of teaching I think.
The sacrifices not only come from our Great Men in the Military but also the people who wait at home till they return. Thank you for your service. Love Bev from Oklahoma
IT'S SO HARD FOR ANYONE TO TO LOOSE A LOVED ONE NOR SHOULD THERE BE WARS.
I'M NEAR SEVENTIE AND I WISH IT ALL ENDS, BUT I RELIZE NOW MY GRANDCHILDREN
HAVE ONE HELL OF A ROAD. I WISH WE START COMMING TOGETHER IN OUR OWN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ❤GOD SPEED 💕
I had just enlisted in the Navy 14 days before. I was at boot on sept 26th. I retired in 2021.
Alan Jackson IS country music. His voice is so amazing and clear and everything he writes is true to the genre and so human. He is an absolute national treasure.
A--MEN...ONE OF THE BEST EVER!!
This is about one of the worst days In my life. It's the Pearl Harbor of my generation. Still today I have tears listening to this
I remember feeling the same way. 9/11 truly was our generation Pearl Harbor.
And sadly I feel society has already forgotten it.
@@markcainyourfriendinthecar3387 I completely agree. Why can't we act like we did the day after this happened
I have started to lose faith that a lot of the younger generation today would still keep this country divided and try to find something wrong with how first responders and law enforcement respond if anything similar happened today. Sorry, but as a retired medic after 35 years, (retired in 2015) I would not want to be a first responder in today's world, so little respect for what they do.
Absolutely. I was 30...teaching...I walked through the hall and saw a TV pulled into the hallway, people gathered...I stared at the screen as the planes hit the towers, stunned. I rushed to the staff room to call my husband at home, make sure he and my toddler son were all right...we live in upstate NY and one of the planes flew over our town before arriving in the city. I called my dad to tell him and my mom I loved them. Soon after, I watched those towers fall. We gathered our students in 6th grade together to tell them the tragic news. I couldn't hold back tears as I told them I was so sorry that they wouldn't be able to stand on the observation deck of the tower like I did on my 6th grade field trip when I was their age.
NEVER FORGET!!! I was driving through the security gate of the hospital where I was going to finish my internship in Radiology. I wished I were done so I could have gone and helped. I wept like a child. How could this happen on our soil? It showed me that even in America we can’t be assured of our safety. It reminded me to be thankful.
Most of all it proved what I prayed was true… that at the end of the day, in spite of our differences, we are Americans and will stand side by side and fight for our country! Land of the free and home of the brave! In In GOD on which we stand!
What a beautiful mom you have, to teach her children to pray for strangers. Amazing reaction
THIS PERFORMANCE ON THAT NIGHT HAS MADE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS CRY DEEPLY OVER THE YEARS.
Still does...
I still can't listen to this without tearing up. For whatever reason, the "I Love Lucy Reruns" line is when I get really choked up. I think because it's then that I realize that the simple things of yester-year ended on that day.
Very true. 😢
This line hit me hardest as well. ❤
The CMA Version - His first performance of the song hit us all. He gave this performance from the heart. I was in Idaho. Got in the car to take kids to school. turned on local Spokane, WA fun morning show - only to hear serious news. Got home to see the towers collapse - it was right then - I knew we were at war - we will never forget. Alan Jackson gave us hope.
I long for the day that we, as Americans, can be like we were on 9/12.
Love was everywhere. We didn't care about politics. We didn't care about philosophies. We didn't care about differences. We didn't care about ethnicities.
We loved our families. We loved our neighbors. We loved our country.
I want us to love like that again.
I honestly think this simple song is one of the most beautiful written. Faith hope and love…
My mom was getting ready to through chemo treatment that morning. I was at her house. When the first plane hit, she looked at me and said :we are under attack". I thought, no, it had to an accident. My dad took her to chemo and I couldn't move. I stayed there watching as she was right. I cried and cried. When she got home 3 hours later she sat down and looked me in the eyes and told me that with faith we know this life is short and heaven is forever, remember that. She died a few months later. I'll see her again.
I called my husband and told him to turn on the news. Then I got a call from my brother Fire Chief John Ellis, who said to pray for him - he took all his vacation time and he was flying in to NYC from California to help with recovery. He spent two weeks there before they sent him home.
Those first days! I did not cry!! I was not angry for several days! But! When this happenend on Live TV not long after...I SOBBED! And have loved this song since! And EVERYRTHING he sings of is all of us!
I was “teaching a classroom of innocent children” and my Marine husband came to my classroom door and told me how bad this was…
I knew our lives were going to change.
I remember exactly where I was . I was at home asleep and my fiancé was sent home from work and she woke me up crying. It took me a minute to understand her but when she turned on the tv and I seen the news I just froze. I didn't blink, breathe, or move for a good minute or so. Then it hit me what was actually happening. As I watched the second plane hit I cried harder then I ever did in my 27 years. One thing I remember the most is the kindness everyone showed each other afterwards. Everyone held the door for the next person, smiled and waved to the people they passed in the store, and were just plain nice to each other. Sadly it didn't last and it shames me that not only did it take something like September 11 to bring this out in people and that it didn't last long. Well I took it upon myself to keep to doing these things for my neighbors and complete strangers. Maybe if enough of us would we could bring it back without a major tragedy.
THIS! This is what I most remember after the events occurred. I try to be this way too. Find that some ppl still are, but I agree with you. It didn't last like I wanted it to.
I remember hugging my husband so tight that day. The tears were so free flowing but after those few days it was fear… I lived up that way. I got pregnant shortly after and we moved because I didn’t want to raise a child in a „target“ city. Over the years I have come to know that there is no “target“ it can happen anywhere
@@dherald1532 Indeed it can happen anywhere but remember when a terrorist plans an attack they want to do the most damage possible to as many as possible as easy as possible. So places like NYC, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and other major cities will be the highest on the list. A small to mid sized city somewhat away from the major cities have a much lower risk.
@@cheyennemoore8380 Once in a while I will get a look for holding the door but I thank God I live in a small town and many still appreciate the gesture and even return it. I remember once I held the door for a lady that was not a local and she asked why. I replied " because mam my momma taught me respect and my grandpa taught me to be a gentleman". She got mad and started yelling at me saying she could do it all herself. I apologized and went in to get a soda and pay for my gas. I ended up in line behind her and the clerk called me forward ahead of her. When she started yelling again the clerk replied to her mam not many men are a gentleman like this man and since you can do it all yourself go make your own Doritos and soda and make your own gas. We won't serve rudeness here. Even my jaw hit the floor LOL.
Everyone saw everyone as just a fellow American. Willing to be kind and help another American out. Really wish that was the same mentality today it would be a much different world
Every line of this song hits hard, and bring back clear memories...I remember seeing a kid holding a sign saying "please find my daddy", and I had a meltdown crying.
I'll never forget this day as long as I live, nor how it made me feel.
Prayers to all the families.
Dear See, How good, sweet and reassuring it is to hear that you prayed for our country that night. It is hard to believe, to me, that someone in another country prayed for the USA. It seems as though the news only covers and shows people hating America. Never imagined I would hear this. thank you and God Bless your family. You were raised well.
I will never forget this. I was in 7th grade and I was in math class. The teacher Mrs. Bruno ran in and turned the TV on. This was right after the first plane hit. I watched live, the second plane hit. The emotions I felt, it is indescribable.
I realized how vulnerable we could be and It was the first time I realized what terrorism was. But to watch our country unite was also powerful. Later Toby Keith did a song called courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue. Look it up. That's when we were angry as a country.
I was in 7th social studies
7th grade science I'm almost 34 now
Reading that you were in seventh grade ... made me think of the time the Challenger exploded. I was in sixth grade math class. We watched it live on TV. I will never forget that either
I remember not too long after this song came out, Alan Jackson won an award for this song and he said, “God wrote the song and I just held the pen.”
I'll never forget 9-11 and I remember watching this performance. When he sings "did you stand in line and give your own blood?" I still feel it in my gut. This song brings me to tears every single time.
I still have the images of people jumping or falling out of the windows burned into my mind.
The blood bank showed up at our highschool to collect donations because they were so desperately needed.
@@shadowgirl8038I was in 9th grade spanish when the first plane hit. A teacher ran over from across the hall and told us to turn the TV on. Then entire school was watching the news live as the second plane hit. I can still see and hear hear it all. At 15 years old, Our entire classroom watched people jumping to their deaths. The sounds of their bodies on impact is permanently seared into my brain. So are the sounds of my classmates screaming as each person jumped. It's crazy to think the teachers didn't turn off the TV, but I think they were in shock as well and it probably didn't even occur to them. Still makes me cry to think about.
@@BRINpeterson How awful. No. You should not have had to experience that. 😔
I had 2 kids and a husband in the USMC. I got up, got them up to get ready for school. and hopped on my email really quick. A friend messaged me and said turn on the news. I immediately started crying and called my husband to ask if we were at war. He ended up going to Iraq for 7 months. The worst 7 months of my life but I supported every service man and women who went. It was a time I’ll never forget. I hugged strangers on the street. Held hands at a grocery store and prayed. It didn’t matter our color, sex, religion or the way we voted…we were all just Americans.
I was there! Survivor and first responder. Tower 1 fell on top of my office. No need to have “Never Forget” printed cuz I never will. I remember finally making it to my mother full of dust, ash, soot and she dropped to her knees hysterically crying cuz there was no way to let her know I was alive until then. I must’ve hugged my son and mother for an hour str8. I don’t have PTSD or anything but I haven’t been to the site ever since recovering the last remains we were able. Absolutely beautiful song!!! All Americans should listen to Where Were U and Red, White & Blue every year.
Sempher fi
Went into labor that morning and prayed my son would wait until the next day as I didn’t want him to have a birthday on such a sad day….my son was born on 9/12/2001
Absolutely love Alan Jackson!! He is a legend in my eyes. I was on my way to work listening to the radio. At first I thought it was probably some stupid prank until the details slowly unfolded. We had aTV in our break room for training purposes. We had it on all day and barely got any work done. One of my employees Annie had a brother who worked at the Pentagon. And she was frantically trying to find out what happened to him. We tried our best to give her support and we all rejoiced with her when she finally was able to confirm he got out ok. Looking forward to your Remember When reaction. It's a beautiful love song.
I was in Spangdahlem Germany, active duty U.S. Air Force. We prepared for WWIII, and we had every F-16, and every A-10 fully loaded with live armament ready to take off at a minutes notice. It was a time I will never forget, seeing 60+ fighter aircraft armed to the teeth, ready to do what they were designed to do.
I was in the 8th grade, waiting for school to start when we learned about the attack. I remember my step-dad coming and picking up my brother and I from school and then watching the TV for hours in shock and awe. The greatest and my favorite memory of 9/11 was how our nation felt and reacted on 9/12. Our nation was as unified and as patriotic as I’ve ever known it to be and I can only hope we can experience that feeling again in the future.
After that day to today what happened??
@@dstage64 We got WOKE 🤬
I was just getting off of work as a Correctional Officer in a state prison, was checking my mail and my neighbor asked me "Have you been watching the news?" I ran in just in time to see the 2nd tower hit and instantly knew this was a planned attack. I remember, vividly, the cold feeling of death as I continued to watch and saw the towers fall. God have mercy on America, we've drifted so very far from you and your Word. 2 Chronicles 7:14
I was a 48 year old college student and my son was a member of Presidential Security in the Marine Corps at Camp David! I never want to feel that kind of fear again as long as I live! Love Alan Jackson and saw him in concert long before he wrote this song. My daughter and I went down to the stage to get better pictures. He reached down to shake her hand and I had a hand on his boot! I looked at her and said, "One good yank and he's ours!" LOL He's one of the greats!!!
I'd just gotten home, after a 12 hour shift in burn-trauma ICU in Rochester, NY. I called Mom to let her know I was home 0k. She called back, telling me one of the Twin Towers had been struck. We hung up, and I turned on the news. Then the other tower was hit, both now burning. I called work, they hadn't heard about it yet. Afraid we'd get burn patients, I put myself as available to come in that night, if needed. Then, the Towers collapsed. I can't describe how it felt. It still makes me sick in the heart ❤.
I was in the 9th grade, sitting in math class. A kid ran in from the main building, hollering for us to turn on the TV!!! I can remember my teacher crying and hitting her knees and praying. We all did the same. It was disbelief, grief, confusion, and loss all rolled into one. This day was the quietest day ever in our school. No one knew how to proceed. My mom came and got my sisters and I from school. She took us home and held us and prayed. We were glued to the TV that day, I remember. Seeing the way our country came together for one another was beautiful though. To see the american flag at ground zero was so patriotic. It didn't matter what you looked like, what your political beliefs were, your religion, gender identity or anything. We knew the need and we filled it. We don't do that now and that makes my heart hurt. Just wake up and do right! Be kind to your fellow human beings!
I was 20 years old in Special Forces Assessment and Selection course in the Army. My first day of the course was 9/11. They told us what happened at 7pm that day in the auditorium. We were training to be special forces so we all thought it was a training scenario until the next morning going through the chow trailer where there was a little tv with CNN playing. When people finally realized it was real after breakfast over 100 candidates dropped out of the course expecting to deploy with their units. I made it a couple weeks until i tore my hip flexor muscle and had to fly back to Georgia in a plane literally by myself, zero other passengers, just attendants and pilots.
Your mother must be an amazing and strong woman of faith to get up her kids in the middle of the night to pray for strangers thousands of miles away. Inspiring.
I was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas and had just gotten home from PT (Physical Training) to shower and change into my uniform. My wife had dropped the kids off at school and when I walked into the house, she had the TV on which she never did in the morning. She told me that there had been a terrible accident and that an airplane had crashed into the World Trade Center. While we watched, we saw the second plane hit the other tower. I looked at her and said, "that was no accident." I showered and changed into my uniform and my wife informed me that the Pentagon had been hit. We just looked at each other for a long time in silence, then all she said was, "I know." I answered, "I'm sorry," and went into the garage and grabbed my deployment bags and took them out and put them in the back of my truck. I looked over at my neighbor who was also military and he was doing the same thing. We didn't say a word, just nodded at each other. I kissed my wife goodbye and told her that I didn't know when I would be coming home. Fortunately, I didn't deploy until later, but at that point, no one knew what was going to happen. I ended up deploying two times overseas.
I was a Marine in NC, out in my yard talking with my neighbor when my wife screamed. I was an air traffic controller, so I went straight over to the radar room. It was very eerie to say the least. Today, I'm more fearful of my own government than any enemy we ever faced. Betrayal is the most bitter emotion.
I was teaching my 5th grade Social Studies class when a co-worker knocked on my door to quietly let me know what had happened. It was hard for me to keep it together for my babies. I didn't think it was my place to tell them what happened. After work, I cried all the way home for those who were present in New York that day and for the whole world and humanity. I'm tearing up just thinking about that moment when there was a knock on my door that changed our lives forever.
Jackson had finished walking outside and returned indoors to discover news of the attacks on television. He immediately wanted to write a song expressing his thoughts and emotions, but he found it hard to do so for many weeks. "I didn't want to write a patriotic song," Jackson said. "And I didn't want it to be vengeful, either. But I didn't want to forget about how I felt and how I knew other people felt that day."[2]
Finally, on the Sunday morning of October 28, 2001, he awoke at 4 a.m. with the melody, opening lines, and chorus going through his mind. He hastily got out of bed, still in his underwear, and sang them into a hand-held digital recorder so as to remember them later on.[2][3][4] Later that morning, when his wife and children had gone to Sunday school, he sat down in his study and completed the lyrics.[2][5]
Initially, he felt squeamish about recording it, much less releasing it as a single, because he disliked the idea of capitalizing on a tragedy.[6] But after he played it for his wife Denise and for his producer, Keith Stegall, both of whom gave their approval, Jackson went into the studio to record "Where Were You" that week.[7] On Stegall's advice, Jackson played the finished track for a group of executives at his record label. "We just kind of looked at one another," RCA Label Group chairman Joe Galante said later. "Nobody spoke for a full minute."
Only an American country boy could insist that we just Love them after a brutal cowardly terrorist attack on his country. He understands God ❤❤❤
I was an international travel agent. With terrified client's trapped all over the world. Like Pearl Harbor, a day that will never be forgotten.
I too worked in travel. I remember watching SABER as all the planes were landed. I had an all experience with some clients stuck in Jamaica. Left a very bad taste in my mouth for that island.
Brought me to tears when you said you were in 6th grade and your mom got you up in the middle of the night to pray. That’s so beautiful. I was also in 6th grade when it happened, actually in class. It was a small, private Christian school so there weren’t many students. I remember the teachers crying, gathering all the students together in two small classrooms, wheeling in the old box tvs, and we all watched the news coverage in silence other than the crying and quiet prayers. School dismissed early. Mom was crying when she picked us up.
At work, a customer came in, says some plane just crashed into the world trade building. I figured it was some small plane that had trouble. He got a phone call and tells me it’s a terrorist attack. We were all shaken to our core. My son called me and said momma the buildings have collapsed. Couldn’t believe it. Our business locked up and we went to one local church. Many people there and we all held hands and prayed. The rest of the day we just could hardly work, we were so scared and heartbroken. I will never forget.
My ex husband son and I were on leave visiting family between duty stations on 9/11 ... I remember how terrified I was trying to explain it to my 4yr old while his dad was contacting his next duty command to find out what he had to do... this is an amazing song and will always bring tears to my eyes...
I know how hard it was for you. We were both military spouse/family.
I always try to tell Vets 'thank you for your service". But we should also thank all the spouses & families that serve along with them. War is hell on the home front too. It's just as hard, if not more so, for the ones waiting at home. Especially the families with young kids who miss Dad & Mom while they serve. So if no one ever told you, thank you for your service too!
I was a teen, working as an editor of a weekly newspaper in South Dakota. When the second plane hit, I grabbed a camera to get a picture of someone in our small town lowering the flag to half mast. The president of the local bank did not yet know what had happened. I had to tell him. Without a word, he left his office, went outside and lowered the flag to half-mast. I spent the rest of the day taking photos of residents watching the footage, and trying to get a hold of those living in NYC at the time. I ended the work day getting photos of people going to church to pray for the victims. After I wrote my stories and chose my photos, I went home, knelt by my bed and cried my eyes out.
This is a beautiful song and brings chills every time I hear it. I love this song and it's meaning. I pray every day for all 9-11 victims, their families, the NY firefighters and all first responders. 🙏 Thank you so much for putting your life on the line to save your fellow human. You'll never be forgotten!
I was in bed... my husband woke me up to tell me a private plane flew into the WTC, then he went to work. I got up & went to the TV he had left on for me. I saw the second plane hit. Morning coffee/cigarette weren't even thought about as I realized it wasn't a private plane but a terrorist attack!! For a long time after that, any overhead airline was looked at with suspicion. Thank you Mr. Jackson for this beautiful song, no matter how heartbreaking the memory of 9/11 may be.😭😭😭
I've been to the museum too. And I would say that even though humans are capable of great destruction, we also are capable of greater love towards our fellow man
I was stationed in Germany. We we were getting ready to change a rear diff seal on a contact truck. A call came calling for QRF (quick reaction force) to draw weapons and guard the gates. Vehicles with mounted weapons were moved to guard the installation. We were placed on lockdown for close to 24 hours. My daughter was 6 months old with her German nanny, she called and said she would take care of and protect my baby girl. I didn’t see her for 3 days. As a soldier you know there is always the chance of going to battle, but that day we knew we were going to war.
20 something years later and this song still chokes me up. I can remember so vividly getting home from working a 12 night shift and my wife heading out the door to go to work and being gone maybe 5 mins before busting in the door telling me to turn on the news because a plane just crashed into the tower. I turned it on just before the second plane hit... I remember being so confused then as reality hit fear and anger set in as I realized this was no accident.. I was up for hours trying to make sense of it all.
I was recovering from a broken back, and I turned on the TV after the first tower hit. I told my boyfriend, by the time I made it back to the TV the second tower had been hit. I told him I think we are under attack. He was getting ready to leave for work and the towers fell. We both stood there with tears rolling down our faces. At the time we had no facts and we lived in a big city and he made promise to stay home because we had no idea if there were going to be more attacks, or where. It is such a powerful song! Thanks for the awesome reaction!
This song was pretty much instantly placed into the national archives, because it captured the time in American history so perfectly.
I was working in a warehouse in the midwest, unloading a truck, when that first plane hit the first tower. One of my co workers ran in and yelled "We've Just Been Bombed"!!! The rest of us were like "What"?!?, then she slowed down, and explained it was on TV in the break room as she was leaving, all she knew was that the WTC was burning in New York. A short time later, I was on break, watching on TV when the second tower was hit, and it became clear that it was no accident... Nothing to do but wait it out, and hope the worst was over, and go from there...
Don't forget to check out the guy who introduced Alan to the stage as well. His name is Vince Gill. I recommend "Go Rest High On That Mountain... Or if you want a different style from Vince... Try "It's Hard To Kiss The Lips..."
I was holding my now 22 year old son at 4 months old, with tears rolling down my face in disbelief wondering what kind of world did I bring my son into!? God Bless each and every one!!
I was 41 years old at the time and at work in my office. We were all listening to the radio and stopped what we were doing and gathered in the reception area in shock after the first plane hit. I felt sick listening to the live coverage and went home to get in front of the TV. For days I watched hoping that people would be found alive but finally had to force myself to turn it off. It was so traumatizing. I will never forget that day.
This song was put into the National Library of Music in D. C. No one can copy it, it is established written and recorded by Alan Jackson. No one else can touch it
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Alan Jackson is a country legend
20+ years later and this song still chokes me up. I was asleep when it happened. My wife called me from work and told me to turn on the TV right after the first plane hit. I watched as the second plane hit and just grabbed my uniform and headed to base. My wife and I were both in the Navy. She was stationed with a helo squadron in Norfolk, Virginia and I was stationed at NAS Oceana in Virginia Beach. It was a very tense time for us in the military, not knowing if or when we would be deployed, or who would watch our kids when we were, but it's what we signed up for and we did our jobs.
A beautiful man and a beautiful song. It took me 6 years to get over the tragedy. My husband woke me up early that morning and told me I needed to get up. There was something in his voice and a look on his face. None of us ever thought the towers would fall. The victims' families were devastated. I can still see the look in their eyes and the missing posters they put up for their loved ones who would never come home. These first responders who climbed up the stairs when everyone else was coming down. Never again I pray.
Hard to believe it's been that long ago. I was just 24, driving a semi out of Greensboro NC headed to Charlottesville, VA to deliver to a Kmart store. Like Alan Jackson mentioned in the song, I did call my mother and tell her I loved her. God bless all the families of those who died that September day. I'll never forget it.
Alan Jackson is amazing! He was my first concert in the 90's. I found out later he had the flu but still performed because he didn't want to let his fans down. Faith Hill opened for him
I was having my second cup of coffee, listening to the morning news and straightening the sofa cushions.
I burst into tears and started praying.
Then the second plane hit and I dropped my coffee. Hubby called and told me he was coming straight home. He's never done that before or after.
To this day it's all embellishing in my mind and will be forever.
I was teaching in our local middle school. In the middle of a science lesson when a fellow teacher came and told me what was going on. The whole school watched the scene on TV. Kids( mine were 8th graders) we're shocked, then scared, then super angry. Many of them, both genders, joined up as soon as they were old enough. Yes, several years later but they never forgot. THE defining moment in their young lives
Same. I was in elementary then, but I still vividly recall it to this day. Many of my generation also joins asap. I would have as well, but health issues prevented this. Glad my mom served before thiis day though.
I was working the graveyard shift at a small community bakery in a small town. I was also new to recovery and 6 months sober at the time. I’d just gotten off work and made it home when the news came on the TV. I was horror struck and couldn’t believe my eyes. I’ll never forget how gut wrenching it was to see those people way up in the towers who knew there was no hope left and were jumping. My heart still hurts for them all these years later. I was thankful for my small community, and how everyone came together. I didn’t drink over it, even if it was the best excuse. Instead, I wept and I loved.
I remember that day as if it were yesterday, but I also remember this performance…it was breathtaking…feelings were so raw and it was like a soothing balm applied to a wound. So you were right in saying that it had an optimistic feeling to it.
A little side fact…they almost didn’t let him sing it, as no one had heard it! The producers were reluctant to air a song that they hadn’t heard or approved…thank goodness more rational minds prevailed!!!
I’m an Aussie and was 30 at the time. I was sitting in my lounge room breast feeding my new born daughter watching the news in complete and utter disbelief and incredible sadness. I couldn’t quite believe what I was seeing. After it happened I decided that I would go to America every year and I have done exactly that. Many of my American friends don’t want to talk about it and I can’t really blame them. It was one of if not the darkest day in American history. 😢
Alan Jackson is a living legend of country music. So loved by millions. This is a beautiful song.
I remember I was sleeping on the couch, since I had just moved to the United States, and would be moving to a bigger place later on. My brother came in and woke me up and said he heard on the radio something is going on in NY. I turned the tv on and saw the first building burning. And i saw a plane flying towards the 2nd tower, and telling my brother why that plane was flying so low, and it hit the tower. We screamed. I was crying when the towers fell and people were running, My sisters woke up and then our friends came over and we were watching for days. I couldn’t stop watching the devastation and afterwards I was angry of how could evil do this! To this day, that day is still heartbreaking for me, forever etched in my mind! Bless all who serve our country!!
I was on my way to work when I heard it on the radio. When I got to work, TV’s were roiled out so we could watch. I was horrified at the devastation that was unfolding in front of us. I cried & cried & thinking we will never be the same.😪
9/11/01 I was just waking up, watching National morning news waiting for my 2 year old daughter to wake up. When the first images started coming through and we kinda knew what had just happened, and then the second plane hit…I ran and got my baby out of bed and held her tight. Called my mom and sisters, and we all just could not believe what we just saw. We cried, prayed and then honestly got angry. Those are images I don’t think any of us will ever forget.
A year after the attacks, three of my children and I drove out East for vacation. Three special places we saw were to the sites of the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and Shanksville, PA where United flight 93 crashed into a field. My heart was so torn by these sites and the tears seemed endless. Some day, I would like to go back and visit the memorials that have been erected. There is a beautiful, but small memorial at Scott Air Force Base that I have seen several times. It's in the shape of the Pentagon, there's pieces from the wreckage, and dirt/small gravel type stones, which if I remember correctly, is for the field in PA. September 11, 2001....a day that my family, and hundreds of other people, will never forget.
I was 20 years old with a newborn daughter, she had been up and down all night and I was exhausted. I remember going into the living room to watch TV while I fed her because I was so sleepy and didn't want to doze off feeding her in the nursery. I had the TV volume very low and I remember staring at the screen and thinking I wasn't in the mood for an action movie this early in the morning, so I flipped the channel and it was the same, about 3 in a row before I truly understood that this was not a movie that we were under attack.
When he says he's just a singer of simple songs, couldn't be more true! He wrote almost all of his songs! He wrote about his life experiences and what he knew! I love Alan Jackson, definitely check out more of his stuff! Midnight in Montgomery is a chilling song
It is not a music video but The Boatlift of 9/11 is a true example of how everyone in the area of NYC pulled together to do a brave and great thing for people they did not know....
I still tear up every single time I hear this song. We are all still the same (humans) and we let "them" put labels on us and worse accept the labels.
I will never forget this day.
I was 21.
My two brothers and I owned a lawn care business at this time.
We were getting ready to leave for the day when the first tower was hit, we made it to our first job when the second tower was hit, by the time we finished that first job the pentagon was hit and we called it a day and went home.
I’ll never forget. 🇺🇸
Well now it’s just fitting that he has to do “courtesy of the red, white, and blue” by Tony Keith
Toby Keith. ☺️
As a nurse one of the most heartbreaking things I remember was watching the newsfeeds of all the trama teams standing in the ER bays waiting for all the victims that never came. I also did almost everything he described.
and they just stood there, you either walked out or died
This song is a wonderful example of how country music so perfectly reflects what we all feel. I saw this performance when the CMAs aired, and bawled my eyes out. To this day, it still evokes such emotion. Alan Jackson is an amazing storyteller - you HAVE to listen to Remember When!
Where was I? I was pulling into work , when my called me. The CFO from the company I worked for was on American Airline Flight 11. He was a good man like so many others who passed that day. We need to never forget or let hate take us over. Be safe
I was at home with my mom. My dad was on a work trio. I turned the tv on. I saw the twin towers smoking. I told my mom the twin towers were on fire. She asked what? I think rest of the day we watched news coverage. Dad called us. His work meeting was cancelled. Such a sad and terrible day.
That was such a sorrowful and scary time in America. Yet we came together as Americans. We stood strong together. We were America strong. What a powerful song.
🎉A beautufutul song by Alan Jackson Jackie McAdams ❤❤❤❤
I was working and a client came in, sat down at my desk with tears in his eyes. I asked him what was bothering him, and he said the planes and the buildings, the fires, the people. I had no idea what he was talking about because I hadn't heard any of it, thought maybe he was just joking. A minute later my husband called me to tell me what was happening. I sat in stunned silence and then started crying. Then anger at the ones who decided that we were the evil ones that needed to be destroyed. A day that no one should ever forget!
I am NOT an Alan Jackson fan BUT this song ROCKS!!!!! I was working for the Continental Airlines @ IAH in Houston when 9/11 went down & it hurt!!! we were all crying at work & for the next weeks!!! Airport shut down for 4 days - scary & when they opened it up - there was National Guard with guns patrolling the airport - America changed that day!!!
I was a member of the Army National Guard, had just woke up, when I saw it happening on the TV. I was in shock, realizing I might get a call any moment. We had just moved our mobile home from Wisconsin to Iowa, the contractor was working on our deck and porch. The days were spent between working on the project and waiting on a call that never came, but, I was ready to answer the call. Salute to all those who lost their lives on 9/11 and went to face the enemy in the desert of Iraq. God, for some reason spared me of Vietnam and the Gulf War, but, my Brother in Arms, many did not come back. R.I.P. Brothers. We will not forget your sacrifice!
Your Mom waking you up in the middle of the night, and then going to pray. That's what hit me in your reaction. I watched it wall to wall for 2 weeks. Although I was not Directly affected, I will never get over that day. Never. Ever. Thank you.
I was 46 at the time. I remember the events in sharp detail. I remember we were so afraid of what else was coming. You have to remember that on that day, we didn’t know when it would stop. I have found that people who watched it all happen find some comfort in sharing our personal experience. We found a passion for our country I wish we still had today. I hope it doesn’t take another tragedy to get there again.
I was in my early 30s working an excavation job. My wife was a travel agent and found out early. I sent my crew home and left to go get my 6 year old little girl. My brother in law has just a little more than 100 acres. The family all gathered there for a couple weeks. Thank God nothing else happened.
I was the mother of eight children and it was the start of our day (we homeschooled) the kids watched with mixed emotions as at first I just said o no over and over and then fell to my knees and plead to Jesus for the people of new York. I cried all day without end.
That evening we stood around 2 candles and prayed long and hard for grace and courage and strength for our country but especially for NYC. (WE'RE from Texas)
I was a stay at home mom, my 2nd grade son was our only child. I immediately got on the phone to the school, the secretary told me they had brought televisions into all the classrooms, so the children could see first hand what happened!
Sebs...eventually you will have to fully face it 100%...you cannot get any better music for music, emotion, lyrics and a good story that paints a picture in your mind and hits you in your soul. ;)
We were so great on September 12th
I was working in a government building. My friends' daughter had just left one of the towers. But, my coworker was terrified, because she didn't know if she was gone or not. This song captures the feelings, and answers with Love. Perfection.
one of the reasons this man is a legion in country music this song!! this moment … i truly believe america needed him to write and sing this song for us
I'll never forget that Tuesday morning. As a senior in high school, as we began first period in our history class, our teacher answered the class phone, ran down to the AV room, and wheeled in a TV. We watched in horror and awe, not knowing what was going on or understanding why. But worse than that, not realizing that this would forever change us as a nation. For a very brief moment, the country stood as one. We cared about each other, we put others before ourselves. I'm only guessing, but this must have been what it felt like on December 7th, 1941.
I was 27. Getting ready for work on the west coast, when my roommate yelled at me to come to the tv. We watched live as the second plane hit. I spent a lot of my day praying, and waiting for word on my cousin, who worked in DC, and was often at the pentagon.