Before the Giants took to the field against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football, MetLife Stadium marked the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks with a pregame tribute honoring victims and first responders.
Fans arriving at MetLife Stadium were welcomed by FDNY’s ceremonial Ladder 343 truck and an authentic World Trade Center steel beam displayed outside the gates by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Two vertical columns of light, echoing the World Trade Center’s “Tribute in Light,” illuminated the night sky above MetLife Stadium.
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The ceremony included a special performance of the national anthem by members of the NYPD and FDNY.
On the field, players, coaches and Giants season-ticket members held a 100-yard wide American flag stretching from end zone to end zone.
New York City first responders formed a gauntlet for the Giants during player introductions. Players, coaches and staff from both teams wore commemorative NYPD, FDNY and PAPD hats on the sideline, while players and coaches wore “Never Forget” T-shirts during warm-ups.
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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 also joined uniformed first responders for the “Go Big Blue” chant before kickoff.
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For new Giants coach John Harbaugh, who took over after 18 seasons in Baltimore, 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.”
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With Harbaugh in charge, the Giants believe better days are ahead.
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