The New York Red Bulls will host a special night of events to honor the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 attacks this Saturday, Sept. 10, when the Vancouver Whitecaps pay a visit to Red Bull Arena.
As part of the pregame ceremonies, a 65-foot by 120-foot American Flag will be presented by center circle participants, first responders and their families.
The five branches of the military will be represented by Star Flags that will be held by members of the South Ward, New York Red Bulls fans, Red Bulls front office staff, league employees and troops. Additionally, the color guard will be on hand for the ceremonies.
Players from both teams will be escorted to the pitch by youths of Tuesday’s Children, an organization that provides support to the families affected by 9/11 and global terrorism. First Lieutenant Eddy Valverde, a 2004 Purple Heart Recipient, will deliver the night’s game ball. Valverde received the Purple Heart honor for wounds received as a result of enemy fire while serving in Iraq.
Between the 9th and 11th minutes of the match, fans will be asked to raise their flags to honor the victims and heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Over 15,000 American Flags will be distributed at gate entrances as fans enter the arena.
Various fundraising opportunities will be available throughout the night, as members of the Red Bulls Academy will be scattered on the concourse during pregame and halftime to raise donations for the 9/11 Memorial Fund. An additional raffle will take place in Section 127 as part of “A Jersey Off Our Backs.”
Nearly 2,500 tickets have been purchased by friends of the Red Bulls for members of the local police and fire departments, as well as the military, as a token of appreciation for their service. The full list of individual and businesses who generously donated to the cause is available here.
