Anyone old enough remembers where they were and what they were doing when the attack occurred on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. It is seared into our memories and still evokes strong emotions. The days that followed were filled with sadness and anger - but also pride in the way that Americans came together. United. Strong. Unbowed by the aggression. Politics took a pause. Congress even sang God Bless America on the steps of the Capitol. The world shared our pain.

Each of us dealt with the insecurity and loss. For me, it was through music - as it has been throughout my life. I composed and recorded "Forever United" in late September 2001. I shared it with family, a few neighbors and a some of my kids' friends. It seemed to help people express their thoughts back then and so I share it now on the sixteenth anniversary of 9/11.

Forever United (Don't Take On the USA)
Words & Music by Michael S. Barr 

I woke up this morning,
To a different place.
Cowardice and cruelty,
Took on an ugly new face.

Our home was the target,
Of such bitter hate.
So many Americans,
Met their final fate.

The anger inside,
Just reinforced my pride.
So I hereby raise my hand,
To pledge this terror will not stand.

Don't take on the USA.
Though we sometimes seem divided,
We're forever united.
One nation under God.
Our freedom we'll defend.
What you've started,
We will end.
Don't take on the USA.

We have the right, the will, the powers.
To honor those lost lives,
Avenge the Pentagon and Twin Towers.
Pursue evil without pause,
Unify around the cause.

Don't take on the USA.
Though we sometimes seem divided,
We're forever united.
One nation under God.
Our freedom we'll defend.
What you've started we will end.
Don't take on the USA.

Photo: Breezy Point 9/11 memorial taken in 2003.

MIDI Equipment/Software Used:
Cubase; Proteus 2000; Roland RS-9 Keyboard