Matthew West

Its always a strange feeling, flying on 9/11. Im in the Denver airport right now, getting ready to board a plane to Salt Lake City. I think Ive been on a plane every 9/11 since the tragic terrorist attacks a few years back. And every 9/11 as I check in for my flight, I cant help but think about what happened. Its not that Im afraid for my own safety. Its more about remembering those who lost their lives, and how the unthinkable, the unimaginable happened on that day.

Continued&

Back on the plane to LA this morning. Just wanted to finish my thought from yesterday. Last night after the show, I was watching MSNBC in my hotel room. They were re-airing the live news coverage of the 9/11 attacks in remembrance of the tragedy. I was thinking how when I was a kid I thought about all the major world events my parents had experienced; how they would talk about remembering where they were when JFK died. I remember thinking, I wonder if I will talk like that about any major historical moments. Will my generation have any history in the making? Unfortunately, 9/11 is one of those days that I will always remember where I was when tragedy struck NY. I was in Indiana with my friend and drummer at the time, Brett. I woke up and went down to the lobby of the hotel to get breakfast. The televisions were airing the attacks, and the whole morning, the whole day was so surreal.

I remember wishing I could be with my wife, but she was back in Nashville. I spent the whole day praying, crying, and calling home. That night, my show at a local college took on a much more somber tone. Instead of carrying on with the show as planned, I unplugged, and talked and sang for a handful of students who were all devastated from the days events.

Can you remember where you were? Think about that day, and remember those who lost their lives. May it always remind us to be grateful for our freedom, and for those who are protecting it every day.

-mw