This Sunday for the Baltimore Ravens' season opener at M&T Bank Stadium, 70,000-plus fans in attendance will have a chance to salute the 69 individuals from Maryland who lost their lives in the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks on America.
Sunday marks the 15th anniversary of 9/11, and the Ravens have planned the following acknowledgements to honor the victims who lost their lives, the first responders and military members who rose up in service, and the survivors who have endured:
- A Ravens patriotic lapel pin/ribbon will be distributed to all fans upon entry into the stadium.
- In honor of every Marylander who was killed in the 9/11 attacks, 69 first responders will each carry an American flag onto the field, prior to the official Color Guard entrance and playing/singing of the Star Spangled Banner.
- A special video tribute/message from President Barack Obama will run on the RavensVision boards immediately prior to the national anthem.
- Leading up to and during the national anthem, 70 military members will hold a 40-yard American flag that spans much of the playing field.
- An American Bald Eagle, named Challenger, will fly around the stadium's seating bowl and land on the field during the national anthem.
- There will be an A-10 Warthogs flyover by the Maryland National Guard at the conclusion of the national anthem.
- Throughout the NFL, all national anthems will be aired live by their respective TV broadcasts.
- All NFL players, including the Ravens, will wear special 9/11 tribute helmet decals, while coaches and staff members will wear patriotic pins.
"This ceremony provides our organization and fans an opportunity to acknowledge the countless individuals who were impacted by the attacks," Ravens vice president of marketing Brad Downs stated. "We feel honored to host our season opener on the 15th anniversary of 9/11, knowing this will be an emotional day for many Americans."
Note: To experience the full pre-game tribute, fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 12:40 p.m.
