The 9/11 Song That Helps New Yorkers Remember

Every September 11, we pause to remember. At 8:46 a.m., the exact moment the first plane struck the World Trade Center in 2001, 98.1 The Hawk plays a song that has become a tradition of reflection and remembrance. It’s our way of honoring the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the spirit of unity that carried us through those dark hours.

A Poem Born from Grief and Faith

The song we share each year began not as music, but as a poem. Written by Stacey Randall, it was penned from the perspective of God, where He was, and what He was doing during those tragic moments. Randall originally shared the poem with family online, never imagining how far it would reach.

From Shared Words to a Song of Healing

The poem quickly spread, touching thousands who were searching for meaning and comfort in the aftermath of September 11. In Los Angeles, radio host Bob Holiday read it aloud in November 2001, and it resonated so deeply that listeners encouraged Randall to turn it into a song. With composer Justin Copeland and producer Steve Sneed, the words were set to music. That song is now known as “Met In the Stairwell,” also called “Silent Night 9/11.”

Helping a New Generation Understand September 11

For those of us who lived through September 11, the memories are still sharp. But for many of our children, kids who were not even born yet, it’s history they’ve only read about. As parents, we sometimes struggle with how to share the weight of that day in a way they can understand. This song can be a gentle starting point, sparking conversations about resilience, faith, and the importance of remembering.

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A Song That Calls Us to Remember and Reflect

When the opening notes of “Met In the Stairwell” play each September 11, it’s more than just music. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we were not alone. It’s a way to pause, reflect, and honor not only the lives we lost, but the courage and compassion that rose in the aftermath.