I'll wait to hear what he comes up with. There's a long tradition of American artists memorialising national events, both happy and tragic. "The Star Spangled Banner" comes to mind, as does "Woodstock", "Ohio" and many protest songs.

It does seem strange to announce the writing in advance.

Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats. H. L. Mencken