The family of Virginia Beach City Public Schools will never forget the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Not only has it altered individual lives forever, but it has also changed this nation's history – a fact reflected in our textbooks, instructional lessons and classroom discussions. To commemorate the 10th anniversary the school division would like to ask the community to take a moment and listen to this song, written for a local non-profit educational program called "Magic- The State of the Arts." This song was created by two Hampton Roads artists, Eric Worden and Michael Goldberg, to address the fears children encountered following 9/11 and to remind them of the sacrifices made by every day heroes who responded so bravely in the face of the attacks on this country. The lyrics are also printed below:
Light A Candle
Music: Michael Goldberg
Lyrics: Eric Worden
The sun doesn't always shine
As brightly as it could
And sometimes the way we feel
Isn't always good . . . or understood
On a morning, when the sky was so blue and so clear
Four eagles . . . flying high in the air
Then a storm-wind blows . . . but wherever they go
Have no fear
Light a candle when you're feeling afraid
Light a candle for the price we've paid
Let us sing a serenade . . .
We will never let our sunlight fade
Light a candle for the volunteers
Light a candle for each and every tear
All across the hemispheres
Let the voice of freedom fill our cheers!
It's okay to be happy or sad
It's okay to cry
It's natural to feel angry and mad
There's no "good" in goodbye . . . keep askin' "Why?"
On a morning, when the sky is so blue and so clear
Four eagles . . . flying high in the air
Then clouds appear . . . but your friends are here
Have no fear
Light a candle when you're feeling alone
Light a candle for the many unknown
Though it chills us to the bone
Say a prayer in each and every home
Light a candle for the home of the brave
Light a candle for the souls that they saved
The very lives these heroes gave
Fly the flag and let Old Glory wave!
Why is it people will do bad things?
They can't destroy all that goodness brings
What are we gonna do? (child questions?)
We'll be protecting you (parents/teachers reassure)
Fear is invisible
We're indivisible
Talkin' 'bout liberty
And don't forget justice for all
Hear the eagles call
Light a candle for every name
Light a candle for the fears you tame
It may never be the same
Candle be an eternal flame
Light a candle the world can see
Light a candle for unity
From sea to shining sea
Light a candle for you and . . . me
