(Brian Montgomery) Carthage songwriter Mike Wootan joined B-MO in the MO’rning on September 11 to share the story behind his patriotic song, “Stand Tall America.”
Wootan was also a finalist in this year’s Mississippi Songwriter of the Year competition with his song, “Four Lane Junkie.”
Less than 24 hours after the attacks on September 11, 2001, Wootan arrived near New York City while delivering a load of steel. From across the river, he could still see smoke rising from the World Trade Center.
“It took my heart away,” Wootan said. “I realized we were at war.”
He also recalled the construction workers he met that day, many of them crying and struggling to process what had happened.
Those memories helped inspire “Stand Tall America,” a song honoring the victims, first responders and everyday Americans who stood together during one of the darkest days in our nation’s history.
Listen to B-MO’s full conversation with Mike Wootan and hear “Stand Tall America” below.
