Remembering 9/11 Ten Years Later

On Wednesday, June 29, 2011, Phillip Stephens had the honor of presenting a performance at the Opening Ceremonies of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution’s (NSDAR) 120th Continental Congress. This took place in the NSDAR Constitution Hall at 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC.

During all of 2011, the NSDAR is commemorating the 10th anniversary of the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001. The Congress runs from June 29 through July 3, and this Opening Night gala was titled “We Remember 9/11”. The early part of the program featured music performed by “The President’s Own” The United States Marine Ceremonial Band, a lovely invocation by Chaplain General Laura Marcella Reid, The Pledge of Allegiance to our Flag lead by Lt. Col. Jennifer S. Minus, recital of The American’s Creed lead by DAR First Vice President General Beverly Woodruff Jensen, and singing of our National Anthem lead by DAR Vice President General Mary Lynn M. Tolle.

Once all the speeches were over and all the awards were presented, it was time for the Special Commemorative Presentation of Texas State Vice Regent Pamela R. Wright. Mrs. Wright felt that it was time to display America’s capacity to overcome adversity and that, despite the tragedy engendered by the events of September 11, 2001, Americans had the will and determination to show the world that we would not be demoralized and incapacitated by those events.

Therefore, Mrs. Wright asked her sister, Susan Rouse, to perform a routine to Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” in a spectacular outfit designed by Bob Mackie. The outfit consisted of an ankle-length gown of sequins and crystals and a headdress in the shape of the Empire State Building. The outfit was topped off by a fabulous sequin and crystal cape that displayed the Statue of Liberty and the iconic skyline of New York from before the towers came down.

Susan Rouse contacted Phillip Stephens to have him choreograph the routine, which required Susan to “dance” down a 73’ aisle and acknowledge the Pentagon, Flight 93, and, of course, New York. By this time, Susan was to be up on the stage and would be a bit over halfway through the routine. She then decided that, if I was coming to DC in order to stage everything, I should stay to see the performance and, if I was going to stay, then I should perform the final third of the routine with her. And we should also come up with a simple performance to “God Bless the USA”, which would be played during the Flag Ceremony that would immediately follow the “New York, New York” number. So….That’s what I did.

It was a great honor to perform in that magnificent hall and be a part of the ceremonies commemorating the events of 9/11. I can't really tell you how moving it was for me to be a part of the remembrance of the people who were struck by the tragedy or who were first responders or volunteers who gave aid. It was a previously unimaginable honor to stand before some 4,000 people and celebrate the fact that America and the United States is a great place to live and that, no matter what, we have the ability to overcome adversity and continue as a strong and vibrant nation.

My thanks to Pamela Wright, Susan Rouse and the Daughters of the American Revolution for including me in this beautiful occasion.