For Immediate Release:  

Remembering 9/11 is Important to our Freedom & Survival

Annapolis, MD, September, 11, 2018 . . .  Today's hyper-accelerated news cycles, bombarding us with instantaneous news from every corner of the world, on every imaginable topic, leave us breathlessly anticipating the latest installment of "What NOW?"

The constant stream of current information leaves little room for remembering past events or even putting the current news in perspective. Even such a momentous event in our national consciousness at 911 seems overshadowed by the onslaught of pending crises. But unless we remember how this happened, maintain vigilance, and protect and support those people and institutions designed to protect us, we become vulnerable to even greater assaults on our freedoms and our very lives. 

Equally important is remembering where we went off-track in our response to the events of 911, as those errors have cost us, and the rest of the world, dearly, 

As time passes, we are left with four major sources of knowledge about such events: the memories in the minds and hearts of those directly or indirectly affected by it at the time; the recorded print and electronic news media of the day; books written in hopes of giving some broader or more particular perspective on the events; and the works of other artists to capture the essence of the event and convey their vision and perspective in a wide range of media.

It often becomes the role of the artist, then, to offer peo

ple a way to hold the most incomprehensible and tragic events that enables them to move forward with hope and courage. A major function of art in any culture is to provide comfort and healing to the viewers or listeners, as well as to enlighten, or awaken them to what most matters to them, or even inspire or motivate them to take action. 

"If ever an event called for healing, it is 9/11," says writer and poet Carolyn Long. "The events of September 11, 2001, will be a part of the American consciousness forever. The lens through which we view them will shape our future, and determine how we heal as a people."

In the shadow of September 11, 2001, poet Carolyn Long referenced Lincoln's inspiring words in her commemorative poem and 8-minute video, "Angels Over America"

                 Help the angels of our better natures rise to freedom's song

                 And lead the charge of justice on her path, 

                 So our own avenging angels do not strike in blind revenge

                 And wreak unbridled ruin with their wrath.

© Carolyn K. Long, 2001

Long's message is a reminder of Lincoln's belief that true victory is achieved not through vengeance, but by upholding our noblest ideals, those inspired by the "better angels of our nature."

Perhaps the anniversary of 9/11 can help Americans recall how "better angels" everywhere reached out to one another during that horrific event, and how transformative that spirit was to our nation.

Perhaps today, as our country faces discord and disunity on such a sweeping scale, we can once again call on the "better angels of our nature" to help guide us to reconciliation so our Nation can reclaim our image as the shining beacon for people everywhere.

Award-winning New York arranger and composer Mark Freeh co-produced the video from Carolyn Long's poem, "Angels Over America," against the backdrop of powerful 9/11 images and his stirring arrangement of "America the Beautiful" and moving renditions of "Amazing Grace" and "My Country 'Tis of Thee."

The video "Angels Over America"can be viewed on YouTube, and the "Angels Over America," poem and video can be viewed or downloaded from the website www.AngelsOverAmerica.org. The YouTube version is linked to the site. A DVD copy of the video and a laminated poster of the poem are available from the website or by email from  Carolyn.K.Long@gmail.com.

Carolyn K. Long , author of "Angels Over America" and co-producer of the 9/11 memorial video of that name, is a professional speaker, consultant, writer and photographer, based in Annapolis, MD.