The tragic events of 9/11 forever changed our world. We no longer believe we're untouchable. But
we also learned that when a horrific attack happens in our country we rally
together with a common purpose. To
protect what is ours and take care of each other.
Twelve years ago I remember hearing about the twin towers on
my radio as I drove through my small town in Virginia. Then the Pentagon and the field in
Pennsylvania. Full of shock, fear,
sadness and an overwhelming need to be with other people I went to my
church. As the priest concluded his
remarks we began to sing:
America the Beautiful
words by Katharine Lee Bates
melody by Samuel Ward
O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain.
For purple mountain majesties above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
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| Remembering 9/11 14 x 22 Mixed Media on paper 2013 |
O beautiful for pilgrim feet whose stern impassioned stress.
A thoroughfare of freedom beat across the wilderness.
America! America
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm they soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law.
O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life.
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine.
O beautiful for patriot dream that sees beyond the years.
Thine alabaster cities gleam undimmed by human tears.
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea.
Today I'll close with my new favorite video of this beautiful song. It reminds me of the resilience of our American spirit and the bright hope I have for our country's future. Enjoy:
This is beautiful. A gentle reminder of the spirit of America.
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