Bootleg Betty
Bette Midler: 9/11 And Prayer For America
By Mister D
Sept 11, 2026
9/11 was a coordinated terrorist attack on September 11, 2001. It was carried out by Al?Qaeda, and it destroyed the World Trade Center towers, caused severe loss of life, and left a longstanding national trauma.
At the Prayer for America service held at Yankee Stadium on September 23, 2001, Bette Midler delivered one of the ceremony’s most emotional moments with “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Her performance brought thousands to tears; after finishing, she shouted “I love you, New York City!” and moved toward the crowd, blowing kisses to families, survivors, and rescue workers.
The event was a massive multi?faith gathering meant to honor victims, support families, and unify the country after the attacks.
Midler’s song became a symbolic tribute to first responders and those lost, with the lyric “Did you ever know that you’re my hero?” prompting visible waves of grief and solidarity throughout the stadium.
