Landover, Md. – Chanting “U-S-A! U-S-A!” and waving tens of thousands of American flags, football fans turned Fedex Field into a sea of patriotic fervor Monday night in a ceremony before the game between the Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings.
Similar scenes played out all across the country Monday night, as baseball and football stadiums marked the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with flags, flyovers and moments of silence.
More than 90,000 star-spangled banners were distributed at the stadium in suburban Washington, situated across the Potomac River and about 15 miles northeast of the site where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon during the attacks, killing 184 people.
Fans raised and waved their flags in tribute as the Joint Military Chorus performed the national anthem. In the distance, 184 beams of light streamed from the Pentagon to honor those who died.
There were several signs paying tribute to those who died in and responded to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. One fan held up a Pat Tillman jersey, honoring the former Arizona Cardinals defensive back who joined the military after the attacks and was killed in Afghanistan.
“It’s a great event to be loyal to your country and loyal to your team,” longtime season- ticket holder Ann Ewell said before heading into the stadium. Another fan seated in the end zone held a sign with the words “We Shall Never Forget” along with drawings of the Twin Towers and Pentagon.
While the players were not on the field for the ceremony, Washington receiver David Patten fired up the crowd by waving a flag after the players were introduced.
The NFL featured a rare Monday night doubleheader, with the San Diego Chargers playing the Raiders at Oakland in the later game.
Nine games were on the baseball schedule, including the New York Mets at Florida. Mets and Marlins players wore seven different caps, honoring the first responders and others who worked the rescue effort at the World Trade Center.
“We remember with great fondness and admiration the heroic efforts of those – the firefighters, the policemen and women, and the health-care workers – who risked their lives to help and save those who were in harm’s way,” baseball commissioner Bud Selig said. “It is not a day none of us will ever forget, nor should we.”
In Pittsburgh, more than 50 United Flight 93 family members attended the Pirates game. A video tribute honored the passengers and crew members who thwarted a possible attack on the nation’s capital by causing the plane to crash in a field in Shanksville, Pa.
“The passengers of Flight 93 won their battle against terrorism,” the video’s voiceover said. “As grateful citizens, we are inspired by the courage of your loved ones, and we pray their heroic sacrifice will inspire others.”
Before the New York Yankees played at Baltimore, retired New York City firefighter Bill Spade, the only firefighter from Rescue Company 5 to survive, was honored.
