Commemorate 9/11 in Your Community: San Francisco Giants Pay Tribute to the Victims

San Francisco Giants players hold their hats to their hearts as they pay tribute to those killed in the 9/11 attacks during a pre-game ceremony in AT&T Park.
San Francisco Giants players pay tribute to those killed in the 9/11 attacks during a pre-grame ceremony held on Sept. 11, 2018, in AT&T Park. Photos courtesy San Francisco Giants.

As we mark the 18th anniversary of 9/11, we are highlighting how communities all over the world commemorate 9/11 locally through observances, volunteerism, student engagement and local events. You can find more information and resources for planning your own ceremony here.

In an especially noteworthy tribute to those killed in the 9/11 attacks, the San Francisco Giants flank their iconic statue of Willie Mays Jr. with the names of victims. This tribute emphasizes the important link between 9/11 and California, where all four hijacked flights were headed that morning.

The passengers aboard Flight 93—who courageously fought back against the hijackers before their plane crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pa.—were destined for San Francisco. When the four flights did not arrive in California, families there undoubtedly felt the emotions so many have described on the East Coast.

The Giants’ tribute also reminds us of the healing role sports played in the aftermath of the attacks. As the nation grappled with questions of security, defense, rescue and recovery, sports professionals wondered if it was acceptable to resume playing. Could sports play a role in healing the suffering 9/11 created? When was it okay to play again? "Comeback Season: Sports After 9/11," a special exhibition that concluded earlier this year, explored many of these difficult questions.

See photos of the Giants’ moving tribute to the victims in the gallery below.

By Timothy McGuirk, Communications Manager, 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Previous Post

NY Times Profiles Effort to Save Tribute Items Left at the Memorial

A stuffed bumble bee, a yellow rose, a small American flag, and a photo of a victim of the 9/11 attacks have been placed at a name on the Memorial.

Every day of the year, visitors to the 9/11 Memorial leave tribute items at the names of victims or on the 9/11 Memorial Glade. Some of these items are from family members keeping the memory of their loved ones alive. Others are from complete strangers expressing a connection to someone they never met.

View Blog Post

Next Post

9/11 Memorial & Museum Commemorates 18th Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks

Yellow roses, sunflowers and two, small American flags are seen on a bronze parapet at the 9/11 Memorial.

Family members, survivors, first responders and elected officials gathered at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum on Wednesday to commemorate the 18th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

View Blog Post