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Local Man to Sing During Sept 11 Vigil at Crash Site
by Ann Richardson, Sandusky Register, September 2002
Local singer and songwriter Steve Brownell will perform two patriotic songs inspired by the events of Sept. 11 at a one-year anniversary ceremony for those who died on Flight 93.
The two songs, "We Are Americans" and "Proud Man," will be performed Sept. 11 at the Flt. 93 Memorial Chapel -- four miles from where Flight 93 crashed in Shanksville, Pa., after being overtaken by terrorists.
The songs were written by Brownell as a way to express his emotions about the events of Sept. 11.
"If you had any artistic talent at all, whether it be poetry, painting, songwriting or whatever, you were stirred by your emotions to somehow try to communicate and share what you were feeling with other people," Brownell said.
Brownell, 33, is a Huron native who has been performing rock, easy-listening and country music locally for 21 years. Several months ago, he contacted the Pennsylvania church by letter and phone to ask about performing at the ceremony.
"He read me the lyrics of his songs and I liked what he had to say," the Rev. Alphonse T. Mascherino said. "It was clear also that he has a good spirit."
Brownell wrote "We are Americans" within 72 hours of the terrorist attacks. He wrote the song "Proud Man" about a month later.
"Every single American was affected by Sept. 11," Brownell said. "People can remember exactly where they were and what they were doing when it happened.
Brownell will be performing "We Are Americans" at 6 p.m. during the Sept. 11 ceremony, which is part of a week-long schedule of events. Later that night, he will sing "Proud Man" at the candlelight vigil.
The Flt. 93 Memorial Chapel is a non-denominational, secular chapel open to visitors of all faiths for prayer, reflection and religious services.
The song "We Are Americans" was originally released with the intention of raising money for area charities, but with sales less than 1,000, Brownell is using the profit to pay for the cost of production.
The CD is available at his shows and at Sandusky's Musicians' Alley, 151 Columbus Ave.
Reprint of article from the "Sandusky Register" newspaper dated September 2002.
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