Remembering 9/11

This past week I was reminded by the outstanding Peachtree Ridge High

School Marching Band's playing of the National Anthem the role High

School sports played in our nation's healing after the horrific

tragedy of 9/11. I can vividly remember my job with KTVK-TV in

Phoenix, Arizona, with whom I spent 14-years covering High School

football.

I recall the patriotism at a high school in particular, Peoria High

School. Parents, students, athletes, and members of the School's ROTC

banded together into a unified front, reinforcing the spirit that no

terrorist act could bring America to its knees. Ten year later, it's

amazing to think that some of these HS students are now parents and

leaders.

I was moved to see many of them as part of the emotional ceremonies in

New York City (Ground Zero/World Trade Center), Shanksville

Pennsylvania (Flight 93 Memorial), and Washington, DC (The Pentagon).

The strong patriotic values that our great country stands for always

are brought forth, front and center, week in and week out, during High

School Football games. However, on this particular weekend, we were

once again reminded why this sport played an important role in our

healing during one of this country's most darkest hours.

God Bless High School football and God Bless America. The video below,

a public service announcement by State Farm Insurance, pays tribute to

the heroes of 9/11 in New York City and it shows why OUR young people

are among our GREATEST gifts on this planet. This week, when you

attend a high school football game, remind the students and

student/athletes just how special they are and the positive impact

they have on our society.