Mark Borsuk | National September 11 Memorial & Museum

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Artist's Statement

The following is the story of how “We Are America” was created.
On September 15, 2001, I arrived home to find a poem and letter on my doorstep that were from Kevin Benson, who had recently did work at my home. Knowing I was a musician, Kevin’s letter asked if I could find it in my heart to write a song with the poem he had written. I read the poem and immediately went to work. I wrote the music, added some of my own lyrics, and two days later “We Are America” was recorded. Kevin came to my home to listen and was literally moved to tears after hearing the song we both created. Without hesitation, Kevin took out his checkbook and gave me a blank check to do the artwork and make one thousand copies of the single. Kevin sent them to everyone he could think of. He mailed and delivered CD’s to radio stations, talk shows, politicians, V.F.W. posts, fire and police stations, schools, etc. quickly the phones began to ring requesting additional copies and asking for live performances. From that point on, we became very busy aiding and performing at charitable events. I was singing at multiple police, military, and school benefits throughout Southern California ,and Kevin was there for every event. Not only was there a local response with newspaper articles, CNN, FOX News and several local radio stations were so moved that they broadcasted portions of “We Are America” for their viewers.
Like most Americans, we felt that we needed to do something after the events of September 11th. Just like everyone else Kevin and I were both moved by the events of that dreadful day and inspired each other to compose a beautiful song, an anthem that has touched the lives of thousands around the world. Kevin and I are just two regular hardworking men who deeply love our country. We will never forget the events of that day, nor forget all the innocent people that paid the ultimate price. We wish to thank our military and those personnel who have dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our beautiful country. GOD BLESS AMERICA.

"WE ARE AMERICA " - written by Mark Borsuk and Kevin Benson
Mark Borsuk - Acoustic guitar, vocals
John Molo - Drums
Dave Chamberlain - Bass
Sara O'Brian - Cello
Hyland Church - Lead and rhythm guitar
Mark Kohler - Guitar
Shannon O'Niell - Recorded, engineered and mixed at his studio, "All Aspects Recording"
Patrick Burkholder - Mastered

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I was born and lived in Bronx New York until the age of 28 when I then moved to Los Angles to start a family and a new life on the west coast. I have spent most of my music career as a solo artist. In my middle years, together with a good friend, Mark Kohler, created an original group called "The Minimum Wage Band" (MWB). I completed two CD’s with the MWB and a solo CD, called Etched in Stone. After releasing "We are America" as a single. I then released a full length patriotic CD with Kevin Benson called "Made in America." which also includes the award winning song "We Are America." I then released a single cd called "Run For The Wall" written for the organization that bares that name. I had the honor and pleasure to record with and at the home of the Rock hall of fame legend guitarist, "Howard Leese" of "Bad Company" and a 20 year member of "Heart." Over the years I have performed and or recorded with Spencer Davis, Richie Hayward, Matt Andes, Lenny Castro, Danny Wild, Mike Landau, Rick Serette, Johnny Barbata, Sarah O’Brian, John Molo, and Howard Leese.

"WE ARE AMERICA" written by Mark Borsuk and Kevin Benson
Mark Borsuk - Acoustic guitar, vocals
John Molo - Drums
Dave Chamberlain - Bass
Sara O'Brian - Cello
Hyland Church - Lead and rhythm guitar
Mark Kohler - Guitar
Shannon O'Niell - Recorded, engineered and mixed at his studio, "All Aspects Recording"
Patrick Burkholder - Mastered

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