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September 11, 2001 is a day that will never be forgotten. People around the world stared at their televisions and listened to their radios in horror and stunned disbelief as the news of terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and on the Pentagon in Washington unfolded - along with news of other jetliners being hijacked and thousands of lives lost. This was a sad, sad day for America and one which has affected all of us profoundly. We would like to extend our thoughts, prayers, helping hands, and utmost support to our American friends and neighbours, and to express our deepest sympathy over this tragedy. |
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An American friend eloquently expresses the feelings of so many when she writes: |
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“We are The United States of America. We have been a symbol of freedom and a beacon to the world for 225 years. We are a people as diverse as the world itself. Yet, we have endured a dozen major conflicts including a great Civil War. And, each time, we have emerged stronger, more united, and prouder still. On this dark day in history, as many of our number cease to exist, it will be no different. We will become stronger and more united. We will dig through the rubble and ashes for our neighbors. We will roll up our sleeves and give our life’s blood. We will offer up our prayers for the suffering of so many. And once again, we will be prouder still to be The United States of America .” |
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One song that Elvis, always a proud American, recorded and sang in concert with heartfelt emotion was America the Beautiful. Here to sing this song with pride is David Lee Roseberry. |
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We also must never forget the many, many lives that were taken during the week of September 11, 2001 by senseless and horrific acts of violence. Thousands of families lost their husbands, wives, sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers - and thousands more lost their friends and loved ones. We cannot begin to imagine their pain. |
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I’ll Remember You, a touching song that Elvis sang in memory of his mother, Gladys, is sung beautifully here by Eddie Miles. This is for all those who lost their lives and for their families and friends whose lives will never again be the same. |
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We’ll remember too. |
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Without a doubt, Elvis Presley’s true calling was the singing of gospel music. It was the music he loved, the music that “spoke” to him, and the music for which he won his Grammy awards. For all of us, now faced with fear and uncertainty in a world that has suddenly changed, and hoping for peace of mind and for world peace, here is Jamie Aaron Kelley singing Lead Me, Guide Me –a song that speaks to us of the power of faith. |
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In the continuing aftermath of this tragedy, we are learning daily of many acts of heroism, human decency, and kindness. We also see that the faith, courage, and determination of the American people has, indeed, emerged stronger than ever. To end with, we have a song that has been described as “almost an anthem” and one that is now also closely associated with Elvis. We can still envision Elvis Presley, proudly wearing his American Eagle costume, singing this song with all his heart and soul as it was broadcast via satellite to the world . Here, again for all the world to hear, is Ray Guillemette singing American Trilogy. |
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* A special thank you to Joanna Johnson & Jim Redmond of ETARadio, Faye Harris, David Lee Roseberry, Eddie Miles, Jamie Aaron Kelley, and Ray Guillemette for their contributions to this column. |
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*An Elvis Presley charity CD is being issued by RCA to raise funds for the Red Cross. The 3 songs on the CD are If I Can Dream, Amazing Grace, and America the Beautiful. We encourage everyone to support this initiative. |
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