Amazing Grace on bagpipes

On September 12th my roommates and I awoke to an acrid smell in our 109th Street and 2nd Avenue apartment. We decided to go out for a walk and some fresh air. We went over to Central Park and began to walk south.

As we approached the north end of the Jackie O. Reservoir, we were stuck by the sight of a plume of yellow-gray smoke framing the entire New York City skyline south of the park.

It was then that I recognized the song of a bagpiper under a tree not far from us. It was Amazing Grace.

At that moment I began to realize how much had happened, and how much had changed. The scope of it made my head feel light.

This last Memorial day I heard the Union County Police Pipe and Drums play that same song, and it made we well up with tears.

Every time I hear that song I think of that moment of realization. The thought of how much was given, how much was lost, and how much was taken away still lingers with me.

For that reason I ask that you do me the kindness of not playing that song. The memories with it are all to vivid and painful.

Chip McGowan