Anthony Mercado has big dreams for his future and a strong respect for this day in American history.

This 17-year old Canyon High School senior wanted to ensure his peers and teachers remember the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives 11 years ago today.

During lunchtime on Tuesday, Mercado a.k.a. Young Love, performed an original track “Before You We Stand”, in front of an audience of his peers who gathered near the outdoor amphitheater near the front of the campus.

“I wanted people to not only recognize our loss, but to remember that as a country we still stand,” Mercado said. “I want to give people hope.”

“I want people to feel like they’re not alone and that their beloved family members were not sacrificed for no reason; that somebody out there, especially somebody in my music genre appreciates their sacrifice to this country,” he said.

Mercado approached Canyon Principal Mike Kuhlman nearly three weeks ago with a copy of his CD and expressed his dream to perform on 9-11. Kuhlman said Mercado wanted to honor the people who died that day.

“They were appropriate lyrics, they were uplifting lyrics and I know that he’s put a lot of work in it so I was very proud,” Kuhlman said.

“I just want to let people know who are grieving right now that they have my prayers through my words,” said Mercado.

Kuhlman said it’s great to give students opportunities to perform to exercise their talents, especially in an uplifting fashion.

“I think it represents Canyon High School and our student body very well,” Kulhman said.

“Before You We Stand” is on YL: Young Love’s newly released EP titled “The Interview” .