Darryl Worley Delivers a Powerful Performance of “Have You Forgotten?” at Mississippi Rally
Country singer Darryl Worley brought a wave of emotion to a recent rally in Corinth, Mississippi, with a performance of his 2003 hit “Have You Forgotten?,” a song that pays tribute to the Americans who lost their lives in the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Before taking the stage, Worley told the crowd, “This is probably the most important opening act gig I’ve ever had, and the opening act is supposed to get y’all fired up for the president. He’s in the house, let him hear you!” His introduction drew an enthusiastic response from the audience before he launched into the song.
Worley’s appearance came just days after fellow country star Jason Aldean made an appearance at a rally in Perry, Georgia, on October 24.
Darryl Worley Reflects on the Lasting Impact of “Have You Forgotten?”
Before performing the song, Worley explained why he chose the hit, which topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for seven consecutive weeks in 2003.
“They asked me to play something that would get the crowd fired up,” Worley said. “About 25 years ago … it was No. 1 for seven weeks in a row.”
Released in spring 2003, during the early years of the War on Terror and shortly before the Iraq War began, “Have You Forgotten?” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and climbed to No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Reflecting on the song’s success, Worley emphasized that its popularity came from listeners themselves rather than a marketing campaign.
“It wasn’t anything my record label did. It was chosen by the people.”
He also suggested that the song’s message remains relevant today, saying, “If you look around, pay attention to what’s happenin’ in our nation right now, I think a whole bunch of people have forgotten.”
As 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of United Airlines Flight 93, the song continues to evoke memories of the tragedy and its lasting impact on the country.
Its chorus recalls the fear and heartbreak of that day, with Worley singing:
“Have you forgotten how it felt that day? / To see your homeland under fire / And her people blown away / Have you forgotten when those towers fell? / We had neighbors still inside goin’ through a livin’ hell / And you say we shouldn’t worry ’bout bin Laden / Have you forgotten?”
For the closing chorus, Worley incorporated a newly revised lyric that reflects the 2011 killing of Osama bin Laden by SEAL Team Six. He sang, “Now we don’t have to worry ’bout bin Laden.”
The updated line gives the song a different perspective on America’s response to terrorism, connecting its original message with events that unfolded in the years after its release. The performance drew cheers from the Mississippi audience.
Darryl Worley Calls the Performance a Career Highlight
Following the rally, Worley reflected on the experience in a press release, describing it as one of the most meaningful moments of his career.
“Last night at the rally may have very well been my favorite big moment of my career. Last night I was with my people. I was proud of them and they were proud of me.”
He continued:
“I love my country and its people and last night I lit ’em up. Thank you God for such a special moment in time. Thank you President Trump for trusting me with your platform and for the opportunity to fire those good Americans up for your presentation.”
Worley added that the experience had given him a renewed sense of purpose.
“This has revived me in a big way and I needed it. I am humbled and I am very grateful. I feel almost like this is the beginning of something special that has been brewing for a long time.”
Watch Darryl Worley perform “Have You Forgotten?” at the Mississippi rally below.
