I
On a day born for dread
in a place we all know
our anguish and fears came to bear.
But the rubble and flame
ne'er deterred those who came
giving wings to our aching and prayer.

Grain by grain they would go.
Care and tenderness done
to restore and reclaim and revere.
Midst the carnage and peel
lay a crossbar of steel
to proclaim that the Lord is still here.

So I'll honor that bold mighty cross
and the faith of those laboring below.
We will cherish the ground hallowed there
to the depths of Humanity's soul.

II
"O Say, can you see
by the dawn's early light ..."
Once again, Old Glory waves high.
Through the poison and pain,
Lady Liberty's flame
cuts the darkness and shelters each cry.

In "...the home of the brave..."
on that day born for dread,
Evil struck on the wings of despair.
But the angels of Right
"gave proof through the night"
the goodness endures, pure and fair.

So I'll honor that flag flying tall
and the faith of those laboring below.
We will cherish the ground hallowed there
to the depths of Humanity's soul.