Where were you on September 11th, 2001?
I was in my U.S. History class when I first heard that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. How fitting to be in the middle of U.S. History as history as I knew it was being altered forever. My teacher, Mr. Alban (who has since passed), kept saying that we would remember that day for the rest of our lives and he was right. I remember my heart breaking for all of the lives that were gone in an instant. I remember seeing my hometown of Hoboken, NJ covered in dust and smoke since we were so close. I remember asking myself…Did I appreciate the two majestic towers while they were still standing? Had I looked at the skyline (that I saw every day on my way to school) enough and reveled in the beauty of one of mankind’s finest architectural achievements? I remember watching the news day after day, praying, hoping, that they would find more survivors in the rubble. I remember my first visit to NY after the attack and feeling the quiet unity pulsing through the city streets. It was as if the city that never sleeps finally slowed down and everyone stopped to look at one another.
This was a time when major events, including concerts, were cancelled as a safety precaution. Americans were still very afraid of another terrorist attack. We were also shaken by the recent Anthrax attacks that had occurred one week after September 11th. Overall, there was a sense of anxiety and fear pervading America that made everything stand still. So, most entertainers stepped back out of respect and as a result of their own fear.
I remember that U2 had been traveling on their Elevation Tour and were one of the few bands at that time who decided NOT to cancel. They were playing at Madison Square Garden, in the heart of New York, for three nights. I did not have tickets, but a dear friend of mine did. I remember when she told me she was going, I wished with all of my heart that I could go too. U2 is my absolute favorite band and I had never seen them perform live. To get to witness them perform, especially during this heartbreaking time, was a dream that I never thought possible.
The night of the show I received a phone call from my friend. She was at the show and her mother’s friends had cancelled, so she had two extra tickets! She invited my mother (another die hard U2 fan) and I to join her! She told me we would have to get there as soon as possible and that we would be missing the opening act, which on that particular night was No Doubt. My mother and I got on a train to NY at lightening speed and were there within the hour.
So, on October 25th, 2001, a little over a month after this unspeakable tragedy, I stood in this legendary space surrounded by fellow New Yorkers listening to U2 perform. It was the first time I had seen people truly smile since the attack. I was surrounded by thousands of New Yorkers who were slowly learning how to live again. I felt humbled and full of the utmost gratitude for my friend’s generous act. I also felt incredibly grateful to U2 for choosing to perform and uplift the people of NY with their music. Artists thrive most in times of tragedy for it is their responsibility to comfort the world with their art. U2 definitely stepped up to this daunting task with great humility and love. They managed to elevate and inspire the whole audience with their music and moving words in the in-between moments of their set list. The show was unforgettable and they played with their heart and soul in every song. Bono repeatedly kept expressing how much he loved America and especially New York.
Bono described New York City as “The Capital of Everywhere..the capital of free-thinking people..the capital of tolerance..the capital of attitude…and now, the capital of courage, the capital of heart.”
Shortly after, they performed “Walk On” as their final song, the Garden went dark, and the names of all the victims were the only source of light as they were projected brightly onto each and every wall of the venue. It was one of the most beautiful moments I have ever experienced.
Twelve years later, I am reminded of the feeling of camaraderie and togetherness that I felt that night in the middle of Madison Square Garden. The feeling of grace and peace that permeated each row as we all gathered together to rise up and take care of one another through the healing power of music is a memory I will carry with me always.
I will never forget.