[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 159 (Friday, November 16, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2115]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E2115]]
                  ALAN JACKSON MEMORIALIZES THOSE LOST

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MAC COLLINS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2001

  Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, on September 11th, 2001 our nation suffered 
a cataclysmic attack of unprecedented proportion. More than 6,000 
Americans lost their lives in less than 1 hour's time.
  In the two months following that tragic day, our citizens have 
struggled for ways to accept and deal with such a horrific loss. We 
have held candlelight vigils, all night prayer groups, talked of 
memorials and rebuilding. We have launched a major military campaign to 
seek justice for those victims.
  But one young man, whose name is known to many of this body and many 
of the American people, has found a way to genuinely memorialize those 
victims and that day in song.
  Alan Jackson was born in Newnan, Georgia in 1958. Since that time he 
has grown into one of the nation's most loved Country Music stars. Some 
have called him the conscience of Nashville for his actions and the 
type of music he makes.
  On November 7th at the Country Music Awards, Alan sang a song he 
wrote, which more than any other that I have heard, expressed the wide 
range of emotions experienced on September 11, 2001. I would like to 
read those lyrics to you now.

            Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)

                           (By Alan Jackson)

     Where were you when the world stop turning on that September 
           day
     Were you in the yard with your wife and children
     Or working on some stage in L.A.
     Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke
     Rising against that blue sky
     Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor
     Or did you just sit down and cry

     Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones
     And pray for the ones who don't know
     Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble
     And sob for the ones left below
     Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue
     And the heroes who died just doin' what they do
     Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer
     And look at yourself and 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 could
     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 stop turning on that September 
           day
     Teaching a class full of innocent children
     Or 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 loved her
     Did you dust off that bible at home

     Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened
     And you close your eyes and not go to sleep
     Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages
     Or speak to 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 watchin'
     And turn on ``I Love Lucy'' reruns

     Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers
     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 would like to take this opportunity to commend and congratulate my 
former constituent, a great American who has used his gifts as a 
songwriter and performer to lift the American spirit in this great 
pursuit for justice. Alan Jackson has crafted a thoughtful memorial to 
the victims of September 11th and serves as an example of how all 
Americans can help heal our nation from the wounds we suffered on that 
tragic day. Thank you Alan, for helping us to remember those we lost 
and for helping to keep their memory alive.

                          ____________________