where were you when the world stopped turning?

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

Out in the yard with your wife and children

Working on some stage in LA

Did you stand there in shock at the site of

That black smoke rising against that blue sky

Did you shout out in angerIn fear for your neighbor

Or did you just sit down and cry

Did you weep for the children

Who lost their dear loved ones

And pray for the ones who don't know

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble

And sob for the ones left below

Did you burst out in pride

For the red white and blue

The heroes who died just doing what they do

Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer

And look at yourself to what really matters

I'm just a singer of simple songs

I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you

The difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us

And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day

Teaching a class full of innocent children

Driving down some cold interstate

Did you feel guilty cause you're a survivor

In a crowded room did you feel alone

Did you call up your mother and tell her you love her

Did you dust off that bible at home

Did you open your eyes and hope it never happened

Close your eyes and not go to sleep

Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages

Speak with some stranger on the street

Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow

Go out and buy you a gun

Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watching

And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some stranger

Stand in line and give your own blood

Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family

Thank God you had somebody to love

I'm just a singer of simple songs

I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell you

The difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith hope and love are some good things he gave us

And the greatest is love

The greatest is love

The greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?

I love this song by Alan Jackson because it keeps those memories and those feelings from September 11, 2001 alive inside of me. There are a lot of things that Americans have in common, but one thing that ALL Americans have in common is that we went through this day together and we will all tell the story of that day to our children and our grandchildren. Everyone's story is different and I have really enjoyed reading some of the other stories today of where people were when they heard or saw the news. Keeping those memories alive will honor the victims, honor those who are fighting for us and have been fighting for us in the years since that day, and will bring us all together.

I was a sophomore at Louisiana Tech University and September 11, 2001 was the first day of classes. I worked in the Admissions Office and I was walking to work from my apartment. When I got to work, it had just happened and a coworker had heard the news in the radio on her way in. Someone ran home to get a TV so we could stay updated on what was going on. I went to my first couple of classes and both were cancelled. No one could focus or concentrate on anything because we were overcome with worry. The University hosted a blood drive that day and my friend and I went to donate blood. I finally got in touch with my parents and had a little relief there. I wasn't worried for their safety, but I needed the comfort of hearing their voices. I was supposed to go to Shreveport that night to see Matchbox Twenty, but we decided not to go. The concert ended up being cancelled after all. I went to the Methodist church in town and the place was packed. We held hands and sang patriotic hymns and prayed. The Alan Jackson song really hits home because I did some of those things that day.

I haven't forgotten.

Where were you when the world stopped turning? I'd really appreciate hearing your story of where you were on September 11, 2001.