America: A Tribute to Heroes

Syndicated throughout the world to raise funds for the families of persons deceased or injured after the horrific bombings of September 11, this tele-special raised an exobernant amount of money for such a noble cause. It demonstrates Hollywood's quick response to the tragedy, and a extremely wide range of actors and musicians are featured. Teary eyed Chris Rock, Halle Berry, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, and Lucy Lui are among many who reveal the many personal experiences of those killed or suffering as a result of the day of tragedy. World-reknown musicians are also featured, either covering or performing original numbers in an attempt to uncover some sense amidst the travesty, Neil Young for instance performs an captivating - even if sacrilegious - version of "Imagine". In the finale, the wide range of actors and musicians sing the American Anthem.

The stars of all the categories of the sports and entertainment

industries combine their efforts to raise money for those deeply

affected by the multiple tragedies that took place on September the 11th. In the form of a 2-hour marathon, the celebrities involved did their parts by giving anecdotes about the victims in the buildings and planes, and the brave people who risked their lives trying to save total strangers. Other activities done by the stars in the show were helping out in the telethon's phonelines, and to play heartfelt music in reference to that grave day.

America: A Tribute to Heroes (2001)

There's really no reason to put a star rating on this tribute show that was done so closely after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. I didn't watch most of the show when it originally aired but watching it nearly a decade later you can still feel the sadness, power and emotion. A number of celebrities speak to the camera as they try to raise money for victims of the families and they share stories about some of the people who were lost on that tragic day. One of the most heartbreaking stories is about a man who could have escaped the building but instead decided to stay with his crippled friend who wasn't able to escape. They both ended up dying together. The tributes are incredibly touching but I guess one of the main reasons to watch this document all these years later are for the musical performances and we've got some pretty strong stuff here. Bruce Springsteen starts off with an incredibly powerful version of "My City of Ruins" and we also get strong performances from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on a reworked version of "I Won't Back Down" and Billy Joel with "New York State of Mind". Another strong performance comes from Paul Simon on "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and the entire cast gathers around Willie Nelson to close the show with "America the Beautiful". Perhaps the most touching moment came from Neil Young who does an unforgettable version of John Lennon's "Imagine". I've always felt this classic song was butchered by everyone other than Lennon but Young was able to do a remarkable job with it.

This TV special is a true honor to watch as actors and musicians gather to show homage to those who died in the wake of terrorist attacks on America. The actors give shortened asides to describe the firefighters, policemen and innocent civilians who were involved in the catastrophic event of September 11, 2001. The various singers pour out heart-felt songs that eerily describe the terrorist act. Worth noting, Bruce Springsteen steals the show with his rendition of "My City's in Ruin".

Synopsis: Practically everybody from the film, television, and music industries gather together to honor the fallen firemen, policemen, and civilians in the September 11 incident that took countless lives. It's a tribute to those risking their lives every day to seek survivors.

The Review: The September 11 incident will forever remain an unforgettable time that will pass on through generations. The image of the planes crashing head on into one of the world's biggest building structures, the horrified faces of New Yorkers running away from the blizzards of black smoke filling the streets, the disturbing image of innocent people falling to their deaths, and perhaps most disturbing, and angry-inducing, are the immortal heroes who risked life and limb to rescue people after the planes hit by running into the towers before their collapse. It's something we will never forget and must never. Speaking as a twenty one year old, a lot of people from my generation say this hasn't affected their life, but it has in every which way possible. America: A Tribute To Heroes takes time to honor those fallen in the September 11 incident. We get to know some of the personal stories of the people who defied danger to help their fellow man. George Clooney's heartwrenching story of one good man who stayed with another, bound by a wheelchair just minutes before the tower's collapse is heartfelt and angry. It's the stories like these that we know who the heroes are, and lets us know what kind of good people they were. Kelsey Grammer's heartfelt tribute to his friend David Angell, one of those fallen. It's meant to help gather the people together and it does. We must honor the fallen, and punish the wicked.