Mets Remember 9/11
by mdrury • September 19, 2011 • Sports, Uncategorized • 0 Comments
By MICHAEL DRURY
At this time 10 years ago, the world came to a screeching halt. The Sept. 11th attacks left its mark in Major League Baseball, perhaps more so on the Mets and Yankees. Following the events of 9/11 both teams felt it necessary to help out a city in need. The Yankees erected a monument in Monument Park commemorating the heroes and victims of 9/11. The Mets teamed up with Tuesday’s Children, a foundation dedicated to helping children and families who have fallen victim to 9/11 and other global terrorism. Along with other teams all over MLB, they now sing “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch.
On Sept. 11, 2011, the New York Mets held a ceremony remembering the 10 year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Citi Field’s lights dimmed at 7:45 p.m. as Public Address Announcer Alex Anthony’s voice echoed through the suddenly quite park.
The ceremony began with a tribute video of photos of family members, and the days after 9/11. “God Bless America” played over the speakers as spectators watched; the jumbo screen caught glimpses of a few tears dripping down the sides of some people’s faces. After the video Anthony asked for a moment of silence and fans raised battery operated candles to show their respects.
A loud chant of “USA, USA” took over Citi Field until Anthony’s voice announced the next part of the ceremony.
Bagpipers and drummers from the New York City Police Department and Department of Sanitation entered the field playing their instruments followed by first responders. All marched in two lines coming down each foul line. As the first responders marched toward the infield, representatives from Tuesday’s Children carried out an outfield sized American Flag. Players of both the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets escorted members of Tuesday’s Children onto the field.
Pop singer Marc Anthony sang his rendition of “God Bless America” and a half-hour later, the Mets took the field for a game they would lose 10-6 in 11 innings.
“I thought the ceremony was very well done,” said retired Sgt. George Hanken, of New City, NY. “It was nice how they brought the kids in from Tuesday’s Children.”
His wife, Lt. Michelle Hanken, also retired, agreed.
“I thought it was beautiful and very touching. It was nicely put together. However, my only thing was that they started playing music over the loudspeakers while the bagpipes were still playing,” said Hanken. “Other than that, I thought the ceremony was very touching.”
While the Hankens were retired by the time of the Sept. 11th attacks, it still has a lasting affect on them.
“It affects you all the time,” said Sgt. Hanken. “It’s people you work with and have worked with. Friends and neighbors were killed and there are still people getting sick from that day. It’s a very personal issue.”