It’s been ten years since 9/11. And yet we continue to tell stories of the children, parents, and families, airline passengers and air traffic controllers, the firemen and other first responders for they inspire and give us hope.
But how do we tell the story of the rest of America—those who watched the images and heard the accounts, and were forever changed? As they went through their own experiences with loved ones in war zones – and struggled with economic uncertainty at home – they never gave up. The story of America, ten years later, cannot be told in words and images alone. Join the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square in a remembrance of 9/11—of a nation rising above.
In the last ten years, thousands of Americans have traveled to Ground Zero. For most, the experience is deeply moving, spiritual — comparable to a visit to Gettysburg or Arlington National cemetery. It is a sobering and humbling experience to reflect on the terrible loss of life and the irrational violence that caused it. But the memories of fearless bravery by ordinary fellow citizens fill us with awe and pride.
The memory of rescuers – civilians and first responders – the raw courage of the fight back passengers on United flight 93 – those are the images that endure. We wonder, “Would I be as brave?” Their sacrifice was a personal choice— to put others before their own well being. People of every religious persuasion recognize that this is grace: The willingness to give what has not been earned, and what may not be deserved—it is certainly the highest virtue and the deepest expression of love for others.
Irving Berlin’s original God Bless America included the words, “Make her victorious on land and foam.” But victory is not on the battlefield alone. There is also the victory of the heart and faith and compassion. “God bless America” became the unofficial anthem of 9/11 because so many found comfort and guidance in its soaring stanzas. It bound together a nation in need of a common voice.
Today, with arms outstretched to one another, and hands willing to serve, America has come together once again. May it ever be so.
Program #4278
Musical Selection:
1. Shenandoah
American Folk Song; arr. Mack Wilberg; Oxford University Press
2. For the Beauty of the Earth
Conrad Kocher; arr. Mack Wilberg; Arrangement Unpublished
3. Lullabye
Billy Joel; arr. Ryan Murphy; Arranagement Unpublished
4. Homeward Bound
Marta Keen (Thompson); arr. Mack Wilberg; Arrangement Unpublished
5. Amazing Grace
American Folk Hymns; arr. Mack Wilberg; Oxford University Press
6. God Bless America
Irving Berlin; arr. Roy Ringwald; Copyright 1939. Herbert Bayard Swope, Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. and Gene Tunney as Trustees)
Music & the Spoken Word
A program of inspirational music and spoken word.