Sept. 11 was not just any given Sunday.While thousands of fans were on their way to watch their team’s debut, thousands of names were being called out in remembrance memorials in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.
Yes, it was opening day for the NFL but this day was nothing like the usual.It seems that the NFL, got it right. The powers that be realized where the highlight of this special day needed to be.
When the clock struck noon, thousands of united fans who had filled the stadiums beyond capacity stood in silence as the jumbotrons in each venue were in sync with the memorial that was taking place in Shanksville, Pa.The fans and somber players listened to the lone serviceman playing taps on his bugle.
At that moment each and every human being spread across the country understood that there was so much more to the meaning of this day than a game.
Players across the country united as they unrolled field-sized flags across the stadiums to the singing of our country’s national anthem.Yes, they were there to do a job and play to the best of their abilities, but today the players, coaches and fans put football into perspective as they chanted “USA, USA…”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell marked the day in Landover and East Rutherford, N.J.
“We remember our great country and the people that died in this tragic incident, the first responders and their families and all the people that kept our country safe,” he told Fox from the sidelines of the Giants-Redskins game.
“This is a chance for everyone to come together and feel great about our country, the sacrifices so many people have had and what we all have in front of us, Goodell said. We’ve got a lot to be proud of.”
It was also a night to recognize what wasn’t taken, what still stands. It was time to enjoy America’s most beloved game and the guarantee of a fresh season. It was time, for a few hours anyway, to get lost in something else.
While consoling the mourners in Pennsylvania, President George W. Bush spoke of the importance of getting on with life and the healing process of our nation.
“What is a hero?” Bush asked. “In the midst of great danger … nobody asks to be a hero. We started to heal with the help of our national pastimes, with the flip of the coin and the roar of the crowd.”
As meaningless as sports can be, it remains the place where Americans flock for entertainment.
Sure, every team wanted to end this special day with a win.But the overwhelming focus of football on Sept. 11 was to unite this great country with respect and honor. And to remember that time is precious.
