Today, we remember and mourn those who lost their lives and loved ones during the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001. When looking back on these horrific events on this day in history, many emotions fill one's mind. Whether or not you know anyone directly impacted by the terrorist attacks, everyone can see the impact that was left on our nation. Each year, those in and out of the limelight reflect on how they were impacted or recall memories associated with today's horrific events. Last year, Ronnie Dunn of
Brooks & Dunn took to social media to
reflect on a moment that left readers with chills. His memory did not have to do with what happened on this day but rather the coming days. The duo was scheduled to play a show just days after the 9/11 attack, and after much deliberation, their promoters decided to proceed with the show.
"From the outside looking in, it felt inappropriate, but we were bound by contract to follow through, so we roll to Pennsylvania. We knew that we had to follow through. We just didn’t know how. I felt the urgent need to come up with some way to put us on stage and get us through the show. Not ten minutes before show time, it occurred to me… that the intent of these “terrorists” was to bring America to its knees, stifle our spirit." With that thought, Ronnie had an idea and sprung it into action. Although it felt wrong to be there performing when so many in our nation were grieving and experiencing significant loss, they wanted to ensure that this show was more about preserving the American spirit than putting on a boot-scootin' good time.
"I grabbed a pencil and paper, scribbled a note, and sent it over to Kix’s bus. I read it over the sound system from backstage. It said: ‘It is important for us to let you know that we are uncomfortable walking out and throwing a party on stage tonight… I believe that we, as Americans, have an obligation to openly rebuke a belief system where the sole goal is to stifle and break out spirit. They expect us to cower… that is not going to happen… so, in defiance tonight, our voices will not be silenced… we will be heard, and the power of our resolve will be heard. Not just here tonight but around the world.’ The crowd began to cheer. It was deafening. We walked out and opened with “Only In America.” It was the most emotional show I can remember being a part of. People stood the entire show waving thousands of American flags, crying, defiantly chanting…’ USA, USA, USA!'” https://twitter.com/RonnieDunn/status/1701239805793751246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1701239805793751246%7Ctwgr%5E85ab32072e046a2357a83bdd5e8d3f7f3fc54389%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.whiskeyriff.com%2F2023%2F09%2F11%2Fronnie-dunn-recalls-performing-days-after-9-11-it-was-the-most-emotional-show-i-can-remember-being-a-part-of%2F The patriotism and pride those from the crowd displayed lifted the spirits of Brooks & Dunn, making the show a once-in-a-lifetime emotional experience. The way the audience reacted to their message proved that those in the audience more than likely also felt uncomfortable attending a concert days after a terrorist attack but leaned into the message read before the group took the stage and ensured their spirit could not be stifled. I can only imagine how emotional it was for those in the crowd hearing that message and then singing along to "Made In America" as the opening song. I'm left with full-body chills thinking about it. Today, and every day, we will never forget. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN1iI-DaJNw
Local News
