Adventures in My Mind
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Oct 8, 2001
Sami and I headed out to the Steelers' home opener at Heinz Field. It was a little cold, but, hey, it is football season after all. The 2-1 Bengals were expected to be a formidible opponent, even though the Steelers were an early 7 point favorite.
As we walked across the Fort Duquesne Bridge, we could see the hoisted banners of black and gold and the columns of barbeque smoke rising from the gathering tailgaters. As we got closer, pre-game analysis and classic rock blasted from a hundred radios. The sight of barbeque smoke gave over to its smell. Sausages, hamburgers, steaks, and hot dogs vied against each other in a delicious olefactory clash.
Already, the much-maligned brilliant yellow seats of the stadium were speckled with their occupants, arriving early just to see the new colossus along the North Shore. Vendors lined the bridge, selling sandwiches, peanuts, and most importantly gloves. "How much?" asked a man vigorously rubbing his stiff, red hands. "Eight bucks," came the reply. The coldness of the day outweighed the shabiness of the gloves' workmanship, and out came the green.
It was a football day in a football town. Sixty-five thousand of us gathered to cheer, eat hot dogs, drink beer, and forget about the tragedies of 9/11 for a few hours. Like everyone else, we were scared, but our flag and gridiron heroes would help see us through. Along side the black and gold was the red, white, and blue. Two large ladder trucks sat outside the field with a huge flag draped between their arched ladders. The Great Hall inspired us with memorabilia from legendary Steeler teams and players. The U.S. Army's Continental band played marches and patriotic tunes for the gathering fans. Chants of "Here we go Steelers!" erupted spontaneously from excited fans. Small U.S. flags were given out at the ticket gates.
Even the pregame ceremonies brought the already close ties between patriotism and athleticism closer still. Former PA govenor, and new Director of The Office of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge spoke and thanked the Pittsburgh region for its support over his seven and a half year term in office. Former Steeler greats lined the field to welcome the new Steeler greats into their new home. Franco, Rocky, Mel, Ernie, "The Emperor" Chuck Noll, and the newly enshrined Lynn Swann came out to cheer for the black and gold.
But the most moving and relevant moment was when a group of 50 to 60 young men and women were sworn into service of the United States millitary. Under their respective banners the new Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and Coast Guard recruits raised their right hands and swore to defend the Constitution from enemies both foreign and domestic. A big step even in more tranquil times, our country's current state of apprehension gave the ceremony an additional solemnity that brought tears and cheers from all in attendance. "Thank you," said a woman seated in the row behind me.
When the president's speech about the commencement of bombing against Afghanistan played at halftime, it became clear that those fresh-faced recruits, many not out of high school yet, were signing on for a real life and death committment. Cheers met the incongruous announcements of bombing and humanitarian aid. Sami's hand clenched tighter around my arm as the speech continued. I stared at the strange juxtaposition of the president's grave words amid the jovial trappings of a football game. It was difficult to create proper meaning. I thought of the life altering committment that those kids made out on the fifty yard line. Sami and I wished them health and safety.
Celebrating the home teams win at a restaurant after the game the bartender said, "We're signing up these kids to go over there and get killed, maybe." Maybe. Maybe not. Once again, we wished them well.
0 Comments | Link to this post posted by Teddy 12:03 PM
