The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1412876
NEVER FORGET Michigan football's showdown with Washington was more than just a prime-time game with the nation watching, or the 10th contest played under The Big House's lights. It was held on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks in New York; Washington, D.C.; and Pennsylvania. Michigan paid tribute to those who lost their lives in several touching ways in front of 108,345 fans — many of whom were clad in maize — and millions more watching at home on ABC. Michigan alum, ESPN personality and New York native Adam Schefter introduced a stunning pregame ceremony that kicked off with retired Air Force Master Sgt. David Vittetoe performing "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes midfield, while the names and photos of Michigan and Washington alumni who lost their lives on 9/11 scrolled on the videoboard. That elicited "USA!" chants from the sellout crowd. Two special guests — Nicole Pila, a 2021 U-M graduate and daughter of 9/11 victim Jim Gartenberg and Jill Pila, both also U-M graduates; and EMT and 9/11 volunteer Randy Josey, who worked at Ground Zero for nearly a month beginning Sept. 12 — were then honored, representing the victims and first re- sponders affected by the tragedy. More than 100 local first responders followed by unfurling an American flag that spanned the length and width of the field while the Detroit Youth Choir performed "God Bless America." The patriotic theme didn't end when the game started, either. The Michigan Marching Band dedicated its mesmerizing half- time show to the resilience of America, paying tribute to those who selflessly ran toward danger to help and the thousands of civilians who lost their lives, with an impressive light display and its normal standout performance. PHOTO COURTESY U-M PHOTOGRAPHY