I long ago made a promise that I would never allow this date to pass without playing a particular clip from the “Heather & Ray Show” at WCFR in Springfield, VT.
I have not forgotten.
Time does not diminish the sadness. It has been 19 years, yet in many ways it still feels like yesterday. The hurt and the pain will never go away, nor should it. Americans bounced back – as we always do – but the memories of those lost and the bravery of heroes who saved countless others will remain forever etched in our hearts and minds.
When Heather and I started our morning show on WCFR fourteen years ago today, we both knew it could not be the usual program of music from the 50s and 60s, a lot of laughter, and good-natured jabs at each other.
We spent the next four hours playing sound clips from that fateful day five years earlier and the music those events inspired.
You can hear below the way she and I started that show, followed by the song that has become synonymous with September 11, 2001.
Play button is on the left … Volume slider is on the right
Heather and Ray Show
September 11, 2006
Thank you, Ray and Heather for helping us remember♥️
Thank YOU, Nancy ♥️
Thank you Ray, for taking us back. I’ve always thought that Alan Jackson did such a wonderful job on that song which still brings tears to my eyes each time I hear it.
Thank you, Sandy.
Jackson’s song was the perfect song for that time … and yes, it still brings out the emotions in all of us.
Oh how I miss the days when I thought we would learn from history Ray!! Those days did not last long!! I remember the first time I saw those beautiful buildings thinking omg I’m standing below two of the greatest structures in the world!! When they came down I thought this would wake us up!! Lasted a little while!! Was good hearing those two voices what a show you had!! This day will not be forgotten Ray I just pray we would learn from it!!
Thanks, Fred.
I guess it was too much to hope for that we as a nation would gather ourselves and continue to hold tight to each other. In fewer than 20 years, that unity has ALL been destroyed.
Thanks for the kind words about the show. That particular program was as far from it normally was as any show could have been. I still miss it.
It was a day we will all remember Ray …. watching in horror as our Country was so viciously attacked. There were so many heroes on that day … and in the days that followed …. thank you for reminding us how fortunate we are to live in this wonderful country that is full of opportunity. We need never forget what we have and we need to cherish it. Thank you Ray …
Thank you, Barbara.
So many heroes.
We need them again, more than ever.
This day is forever etched in all our minds, Was listening to the radio at work and I remember them talking about the first plane hitting, thinking it was a small plane with engine problems or something. My boss at the time was heading to New Jersey to look at some new equipment and was on the bridge when it started … he said he and all the other vehicles stopped in their tracks and just stared in disbelief.
Thank you, Penny.
Thank you for sharing that memory. The horrors of that day remain as fresh in our minds as if they all happened yesterday.
Ray I like most people can never forget that day. I was in my classroom when the announcement came over the PA to turn on the TV. As I watched in disbelief my mind was racing, how do we keep these kids safe, how can I keep my family safe? The school was in Southwest Philadelphia, not far from several oil refineries. It seemed logical that they might be targeted. After about an hour the announcement came that school would be dismissed. The kids were confused, we were all confused, they started talking about going downtown to center city to the arcades or the movies. I told them that was a terrible idea and the safest place for them was their home. I took my own advice and went home to my family.
I can never remember felling so confused and helpless. I never want to feel that way again.
We need to remember and thank God everyday for keeping us safe. Alan Jackson got it right..
Don … that entire comment is extraordinary!
Never fails to bring tears to my eyes. Song takes me right back to that day and all the feelings. Shock, horror, terror, loss, empathy and disbelief.
As time passes some will forget…but those who lived thru it will always remember the day the world stopped turning.
God bless America, please help us to remember that we are not invincible and we need to be aware.
Thank you, Donna.
Very well said.
I miss it as well.
Thanks Fred