MUSIC AND CONFLICT:
FROM PATRIOTISM TO PROTEST
Post 9/11 Wars and Conflicts (2001 - Present)
The Facts
Songs and Lyrics of the War
Important Dates:
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September 11, 2001: Terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers results in the collapse of both massive towers and the following devastating statistics:
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The attacks claimed the lives of 2,977 people including:
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72 law enforcement officers
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343 firefighters
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all 19 hijackers were killed in addition
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More than 6,000 people were injured.
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2001 - 2014: NATO-led involvement in Afghanistan leading to the killing of Osama bin Laden, suspected conspirator in the 9/11 attacks.
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2003-2011: War in Iraq to overthrow Saddam Hussein's Ba'ath Party government leading to the capture and susequent execution of the Iraqi leader.
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2004 - present: War in North-West Pakistan to continue fight against the Taliban control and resurgence.
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2014 - present: International campaign against ISIS leading to airstrikes by a U.S.-led coalition.
Quotes or Battle Cries:
"These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong. A great people has been moved to defend a great nation." – President George W. Bush on Sept. 11, 2001.
"The attacks of September 11th were inteded to break our spirit. Instead, we have emerged stonger and more unified." - New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani on December 31, 2001.
“The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation’s effort to defeat Al Qaeda. … Today’s achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people." – President Barack Obama, May 1, 2011.
"It is high time that the international community tell Saddam Hussein and his regime that this is not an issue of negotiation with the U.N. about obligations that they undertook in 1991." - Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice
Where in the world . . .
Click the map icon to find out more about where this war took place and the nature of the battlefields.
Coming Together:
Click on each icon in the picture below to find out how music and war came together.
God Bless The USA
by Lee Greenwood
One of the most popular songs following the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers on 9/11/2001 was written and sung by Lee Greenwood entitled "God Bless the USA." Mr. Greenwood and other artists were asked to sing this song at baseball games and other sporting events to rally the American people and provide a sense of patriotism. The song is a powerful ballad with inspiring lyrics such as the chorus shown below:
And I'm proud to be an American where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land
God bless the USA
George W. Told The Nation
by Tom Paxton
The War in Iraq was a polarizing issue with Americans taking sides on the topic of weapons of mass destruction. The United States and George W. Bush presented a justification of the War in Iraq on the build up of weapons of mass destruction by the country's dictator, Saddam Hussein. Upon the fall of the Ba'ath government, no deposits of weapons of mass destruction were ever found. This distrust of the political motivations behind entering the war against Iraq can be clearly seen in "George W. Toled The Nation" by Tom Paxon. George W. refers to President George W. Bush:
I got a letter from old George W.,
It said, "Son, I hate to trouble ya,
But this war of mine is going bad.
It's time for me to roll the dice;
I know you've already been there twice,
But I am sending you back to Baghdad.
Chorus:
George W. told the nation,"This is not an escalation;This is just a surge toward victory.Just to win my little war,I'm sending 20,000 more,To help me save Iraq from Iraqis.
Patriotism vs. Protest
Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States has been involved in several wars and conflicts, most notably the "War on Terror." While continued terror attacks around the world often spur a surge of patriotism, the United Stated remains split on support for the post 9/11 campaigns and the surrounding changes in the rights of the government for increased surveillance activities through the Patriot Act, as well as the fundamental creed of the United States as a melting pot through immigration reform. For as long as there is war and conflict, there will be patriotism and protest through song.