courtesy/usatoday.com
One day after a day that will live in infamy, similar to when President Franklin Roosevelt referred to Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor, there was mourning, there were tributes coming in as more information was released. There was anger and tears, but there was a sense of togetherness and support for one another, so today, one day after the anniversary of 9/11, I felt it appropriate to do something similar with my Select-A-Set Thursday.
Bruce Springsteen, “The Boss,” is amazing. He seems to always find the right words at the right time and “The Rising” is no different. A touching tribute to the first responders who so willingly risked and sacrificed their lives to save others. No number of “thank yous” could ever suffice.
Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris joined forces to put together an album titled “All the Roadrunning.” This very interesting combination brought about an excellent song, paying tribute to those who died because of senseless violence and hate. It’s about having one last chance to talk to loved ones when faced with certain realities. It’s beautifully crafted and is very touching. They’re not a pair you would figure would end up together but they produced a wonderful album, and this song pulls heart strings.
Finally, Melissa Etheridge is an all out rocker. Her vocals, song writing abilities and more are legendary. In this tune, she takes the time to pay a particular tribute to Mark Bingham of Flight 93. He was one of the few who decided they needed to do something to stop the hijackers as there was a group of them if memory serves; he took action. As it turns out… he was gay. Etheridge is sure to talk about this and to show that despite being prejudiced against, he was willing to sacrifice himself to save others. He was an American; he was a hero. His sexual orientation has nothing to do with any of that and it certainly doesn’t devalue the incredible choice he made. I think it’s a perfect example of how the best way to answer hate is through positive actions, not fighting (at least in the literal per se). As we remember loved ones and heroic actions, while we still ask questions, and even struggle with anger, let us not allow it to rule our decisions or succumb to hate. That’s what terrorists want. Why give it to them?
stormy musings 
I could see you writing a history book one day….something like David McCullough does with his books on John Adams and whatnot…..you spend a year researching a historical subject and then write away 🙂
well thanks! i appreciate the vote of confidence 😀 i think if i did ever write a book… it would probably be something like that because i don’t think im creative enough for fiction haha but historical books… yeah could happen 🙂