Nu'Dae singing songs for American hope- "And finally, please continue praying for the victims of terror and their families, for those in uniform and for our great country. Prayer has comforted us in sorrow, and will help strengthen us for the journey ahead." -President George W. Bush Will we ever forget September 11, 2001? Chances are the response is "no." Do we want to forget? We have learned a valuable lesson from this tragedy, for persons everywhere are looking to God for direction. They are also experiencing a resurgence in pride in a country built on accepting adversity while still seeking unity. In this area, there is a new release by five locals that makes the heart swell with gratitude for living in America. "You Can Be Free;A Song For America" shares a message of hope, a message that there are no limits or hinderances that keep one from excelling. While the message is not a new one, the music and choice of words to convey these sentiments are what give this piece its distinction. The group is called Nu'Dae, consisting of Benjamin Milburn,Stephanie Milburn, LaSandra Robinson, Paula Robertson, and guest vocalist Mercedes Major. The group has been together for a while and had no idea that their thoughts would be so identical after the tragedy on Sept. 11. Being on one accord, all knew that there was a message in the mishap and that their directions from God were to send a positive one to Americans. After the incident in New York and Washington, Milburn was in conversation with the group and felt that the time was ripe for doing a song about America. He had already been working on a song that would encourage people to make it through the difficult times, and what more difficult situation than the travesty America was experiencing. While the melody was in his head, Milburn ran across a poem Stephanie had written entitled "America, America." It was that poem that inspired him, for he imagined having to speak to America on behalf of God. He wanted to reflect what he felt God would say to those who had broken dreams, whose hearts were heavy laden, who were feeling despair and loss of hope. When Milburn approached the group, they were all extremely excited, for as Christians, they wanted a means of spreading the message of hope, and before long, the journey had started with all eyes focused on the direction in which to head. And now, there is an inspiring CD that is an art of love by these five talented Christianz, and is a means by which the group fulfills two goals -- first, to send a message of hope and positive outcomes from what was a tragedy, and second, to raise money for the Sept. 11 Children's Fund. With four of the five members of Nu'Dae being parents, the group has focused on the plight of those children whose parents where victims in the bombing. They also hope to bring to the forefront the freedom that comes from having knowledge in Jesus Christ. "Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." --John 8:36 --Stella Thomas, columnist for the "Daily World".