MetLife Stadium marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with a pregame tribute before the Giants' Sunday Night Football opener against the Dallas Cowboys. Fans arriving at the stadium were greeted by the FDNY's ceremonial Ladder 343 truck and an authentic World Trade Center steel beam displayed outside the gates by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
The ceremony included a special performance of the national anthem by members of the NYPD and FDNY, as well as a 100-yard wide American flag held by players, coaches, and Giants season-ticket members on the field. New York City first responders formed a gauntlet for the Giants during player introductions, and players and coaches from both teams wore commemorative NYPD, FDNY, and PAPD hats on the sideline.
Members of the Palumbo family, whose FDNY father died on 9/11, served as honorary captains for the coin toss. A photo montage of lives lost on 9/11 played on the stadium's video boards during a moment of silence. Giants legends joined uniformed first responders for the "Go Big Blue" chant before kickoff.
For new Giants coach John Harbaugh, the tribute carried special significance. "It's a story about heroes who were willing to run toward danger while others were trying to escape it," Harbaugh said. "To be in New York and honor the heroes of that day who live on forever in our culture, that means everything. You honor it with your effort."
The tribute was part of a larger NFL effort to honor the 9/11 victims and first responders, with similar ceremonies taking place at other stadiums around the country.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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