9/11 is a day we will never forget, a day which changed this country in many ways. We all remember the events of the day clearly: where we were, who we were with, watching the events unfold on live television, listening to the radio, or waiting by the phone for loved ones to call and let us know they were OK.
Now on the 10th anniversary of these tragic events, the Washington Redskins plan to honor the victims, first responders, and survivors of the Pentagon, World Trade Center, and Flight 93, during their game against the New York Giants Sunday at 4:15pm Eastern.
The Redskins have planned the following tributes (courtesy of the Washington Redskins):
- General Colin Powell, former U.S. Secretary of State, will serve as the Redskins’ honorary captain for the pregame coin toss.
- Approximately 150 family members affected by the attacks on the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., as well as first responders from Arlington County will be honored pregame. They will stand alongside players from both teams in holding an American flag that covers the entire playing surface during the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner.”
- A Firefighter display from the famous Madame Tussauds wax museum will be on the plaza outside the stadium and will show the immense amount of bravery that took place during the attacks.
- Patriotic spirit and pride will spread throughout the stadium when all Redskins fans in attendance receive American flags as they enter FedExField.
- Players, coaches and sideline personnel will wear honorary NFL 9/11 ribbon as a patch or pin on their uniforms and sideline apparel.
- The Club Level at FedExField will host an exhibit on loan from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in Canton, Ohio, highlighting the Redskins’ and NFL’s continuing involvement and commitment with the United States Armed Forces.
- The Redskins, in addition to other NFL games featured at 4:15 PM, will present the NFL’s TAPS video message which includes images from Arlington National Cemetery, VA on the video board.
- Following a moment of silence and remembrance, platinum recording artist Ne-Yo will perform the national anthem.
- The NFL and NFL Players Association will contribute $1 million to three memorials and two charities related to the Sept. 11, 2001 events.
- The NFL and NFLPA will contribute $500,000 to the 9/11 Museum & Memorial in Lower Manhattan, and $250,000 to be divided between the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pa. and the Pentagon Memorial Fund.
The Redskins have also asked any fans attending the game to arrive at least 2 hours early, due to increased security at the stadium.
The game itself features a matchup of division rivals which the Giants have dominated recently. The Redskins have been 5-15 against the Giants since 9/11, and have their work cut out for them today against a Giants team that when 10-6 last year while the Redskins went 6-10. But in the emotionally charged setting on the tenth anniversary, the game is sure to be hard fought and competitive.
The game and the surrounding events will serve not only as a reminder of the tenth anniversary of the horrific attacks, but also of the many aspects of our country that we value and cherish, and don’t always stop to be thankful for.
