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.