Before Celine Dion inspired thousands with her rendition of “God Bless America” on Friday night during the “America: A Tribute to Heroes” telethon, a retired Eastern professor had the idea that people all over the planet sing the hymn in unison at noon on Tuesday.

Jagdish Nanda, a retired mathematics professor, said the idea is a response to the attack on America exactly two weeks prior to his designated singing day.

Nanda has been sending e-mails to friends and relatives locally and in other countries to spread the word for freedom-lovers to get together to sing the chorus in their workplaces and homes.

He said the idea came from his heart, because of how strongly he feels about America, democracy and freedom.

After the attack two weeks ago, Nanda said he got very frustrated and was helpless, asking himself, “What can I do?”

“If we destroy this innocence and progress that America has made, where will we go?” he said. “This is our last hope. We have to stand together as Americans.”

He said he would love for the whole planet to sing but hopes at least Eastern’s community will join together in song.

In the e-mail he sent out, he answered the question, “Why sing?” with a string of reasons:

“Because America represents human beings from all over the world. Because America epitomizes generosity and tolerance. Because America is the place where every religion is practiced freely, where every language is spoken and where every culture is allowed and encouraged to flourish.”

For the lyrics of “God Bless America,” visit www.ingeb.org/songs/godbless.