Never Forget September 11th, 2001

Before the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays get underway tonight in the Bronx, the staff here at Yanks Go Yard just wanted to take a brief moment to remember all the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives 14 years ago and died in honor as first responders. We want to remember every family that lives in grief after losing loved ones, and we want to thank all the members of the United States Military who are fighting valiantly overseas to insure than an attack like this never happens again.

That evening, former President George W. Bush addressed our nation, delivering perhaps the most memorable speech a lot of us will ever remember.

"“Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes or in their offices: secretaries, business men and women, military and federal workers, moms and dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror. The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge — huge structures collapsing have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong.” “A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we’re the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining. Today, our nation saw evil — the very worst of human nature — and we responded with the best of America. With the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.” – George W. Bush"

The attack on our country not only effected New Yorkers, but Americans all over the country and their friends around the world.

But one unexpected event helped mend the hearts of the American community just a few short weeks later.

On October 30th, 2001, President George W. Bush stood tall on the pitchers mound alone in Yankee Stadium before Game three of the 2001 World Series, just nine miles north of Ground Zero. He was wearing an FDNY pullover as the late Bob Sheppard announced;

"“Ladies and gentlemen – please direct your attention to the pitching mound for tonights ceremonial first pitch, and please welcome the President of the United States.”"

Before firing a strike right down the middle of the plate, Mr. Bush stood on the mound and gave a thumbs up to not only the Yankee Stadium crowd, but to each and every American around the world.

It wasn’t just a first pitch.

It wasn’t just a strike.

It was an act of healing.

"“I can remember thinking, ‘If you don’t bounce it, that’ll lift their spirits,” he said in his latest 30 for 30 short: First Pitch. “But I probably knew, instinctively, that a bounce would kind of reduce the defiance — the act of defiance toward the enemy.”"

Moments after the symbolic first pitch, ‘USA’ chants rocked the old Yankee Stadium. For that brief moment, the spirits of the American people were lifted.

14 years later, We Never Forget.

More from Yanks Go Yard

Add us as a preferred source on Google

More from Yanks Go Yard

Schedule