Domination Station

Sports: America's Answer to Tragedy

By Ryan Frisco

America endured a tragedy last week.  A bombing at one of the country's most prestigious sporting events, the Boston Marathon.  Three people were killed, and close to 200 others were injured.  We've seen the live footage of what happened, and the countless graphic pictures of the chaos that ensued.  America has been here before, and far too often the last 15 years.

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In the days following, American Pride came out in all sorts of ways.  Through this attack, the USA has banded together as one, rallying behind the cry 'Boston Strong' and 'U-S-A.'  In this week's Domination Station segment, I want to feature professional sports in general, for their response to events like these and the ways they bring the country together.

September 9, 2011, the United States endured by far the worst terrorist attack in history.  Thousands of civilians were killed.  Hundreds of first responders were killed.  Countless are still dealing with lasting effects both physically and emotionally from this event.  Life stopped for a week after that.

When sports started up again, I had the honor of attending two huge events.  The second Saturday after the attacks, I was present for the Orioles home game at Camden Yards, as they took on the New York Yankees in a return to baseball.  Being in attendance for that game was unforgettable.  The pre game ceremonies saw the baseball diamond lined with firefighters and policemen, honoring them and their selfless service.  There were cheers echoing around that stadium for 10 minutes.  Cheers of 'USA' were heard the entire time.  I was only 13, but I know those who understood what was going on were crying.  This was a step in the healing process.

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The next day, my family attended the race at Dover, the first race since the attacks.  It was just more of the same, as tens of thousands of fans came together in one place to not only cheer on the drivers, but show everyone else that life can go on, that America is strong, that we weren't afraid.  A teary rendition of the National Anthem.  Hours of the chant 'USA.'  A flurry of American Flags flying all over the grandstands.  Not only did these events help heal the wounds, it sent a statement to the world.

After the Boston Marathon, events in Boston were postponed for a few days.  When they came back, it was evident how the attack had once again brought us together.  If you haven't seen this yet, watch the video of the National Anthem during the first Boston Bruins hockey game last week.

            

That's enough to make you tear up.  I've never witnessed a National Anthem like that, where the entire stadium joins in.

There were plenty of other gestures around sports.  The Yankees played 'Sweet Caroline' after the third inning of one of their games to honor the victims.  The Red Sox held some pre game ceremonies this weekend (where David Ortiz used some questionable language) that were passionate and moving.

So much of America revolves around sports, and when something like this happens, sports play a major role in bringing us all back together.  I've witnessed this first hand.  After something terrible happens, it's freeing to sit down and watch a sporting event, whether it's a baseball game, football game, NASCAR race or anything else.  Sports are American, and somehow have that healing touch.  Sports know how important they are at a time like this, and do a fantastic job at living up to expectations.  Thank you sports for your impact this past week.