9-11-01 We Are America

"WE ARE AMERICA" My Name is Mark Borsuk. The following is the story of how “We Are America” was created. Due to the overwhelming response from so many organizations and people, we have no choice but to keep moving forward with what now seems to be a life long project. This song demands our attention and seems to have a life of its own. Over the years we have witnessed the power that “We Are America” has on so many. It inspires, heals and gives a strong sense of patriotism to everyone, regardless of race creed and color. It unites us all and ensures that the events of 9-11 will never be forgotten. Kevin Benson was called to my home in September of 2000 for a water leak. He owns a company called Property Damage Restoration Services. I gave Kevin three CD’s of music I had recorded over the years, and three days later the leak and Kevin were gone. On September 15th of 2001 I arrived home to find a poem and letter on my doorstep. The letter and poem were from Kevin. He asked if I could find it in my heart to write a song with the words he had written. I read it and immediately went to work. I wrote the music, added some of my own lyrics, and two days later “We Are America” was recorded. Kevin came to my home to listen and was moved to tears after hearing the song we created. Without hesitation he took out his checkbook and gave me a blank check to do the artwork and make a thousand copies. He sent them to everyone he could think of. He had mailed and delivered CD’s to radio stations, talk shows, politicians, V.F.W. posts, fire and police stations, schools, etc. Before we knew it our phones began to ring requesting additional copies and asking for live performances. Luckily I made a karaoke version of the song so I was able do the live requests. From that point on, 2001 became very busy for us. I was singing at every police, military and school benefit throughout Southern California. Not only was there a local response with newspaper articles, CNN, FOX News and several local radio stations were so moved that they played portions of “We Are America.” Like most Americans, I felt that I needed to do something after the events of September 11th. I wasn’t sure what it was going to be until Kevin left his beautiful poem at my door. Kevin and I are just two regular hardworking men who deeply love our country. We will never forget the events of that day nor forget all the innocent people that paid the ultimate price. A very special thanks to SHANNON O'NEILL for the use of his studio and engineering and mixing and producing with the help of Mark Borsuk. We Are America was rerecorded at Shannon's studio in 2005. Thanks to Kat Seiple for the use of her home, engineering of the first recording of We Are America in September of 2001. And helping with the Cd design. And thanks to the original musicians of the first recording of WE ARE AMERICA. Jay Hall - bass, Reuben Reza - electric guitar. The new recording of WE ARE AMERICA BAND MEMBERS: Mark Borsuk - acoustic guitar, vocals John Molo - drums Sarah O'Brian - cello and strings Dave Chamberlin - bass Hyland Church- electric guitar SPECIAL THANKS TO ALL THE CHILDREN AND ADULTS THAT SANG TO CREATE THE CROWD AT THE END OF THE SONG. Thank You, Mark Borsuk Kevin Benson