For singer Susan Grace Burch of Willowbrook, the loss of lives in the terrorist attack triggered a profound need to respond with words and music.

   In a real sense, she felt lucky to be alive. On Sept.11, so many of the victims had simply gone to work or boarded a plane, or responded to an emergency - just as they did during any normal weekday. They had no idea of their fate.

   Burch was compelled to write a tribute song. After watching television coverage and listening to sad news accounts, she sat down in an elaborate home production

studio designed by her husband, Robert, and began to sing and write lyrics.

   She called a friend, Dan Sampson of Plainfield, to ask for his help. The pair spent two days connecting with words and music. With Burch handling vocals and Sampson playing guitar and drums, the two finished a simple yet poignant song they decided to share with others.

   Within days, the musicians registered a copyright, then produced about 1,000 copies of their song, "9-1-1." Burch began the distribution process to local radio and television stations. She even sent a copy of the song to New York

Mayor Rudolph Giulliani.

   "Our melody and our hearts go out to all in this great nation affected by this terrible, tragic happening," Burch said.

   WCCQ, a Joliet radio station, played the song twice for listeners, spotlighting Burch as a "featured artist." WGN Radio also broadcast the recording. Burch distributed the compact disc to stations in Ohio, Iowa and Michigan.

   The compact disc's cost is $6.50 and $2 of each sale will be directed to the New York Firefighters 9-1-1 Relief Fund, Burch said. Remaining costs cover fees for production and distribution.

   Burch hopes the song will

be comforting to people as they try to embrace a senseless act of violence and keep the memories of innocent victims alive.

-She sings,-

"In a country where freedom rings, Now together we must come through!

Remembering those we lost,

We, the lucky ones who survived."

                      -Bonnie Kohout