Never Forget: SmackDown 9/13/2001

13 years ago, WWE SmackDown (then WWF) held the largest public assembly since the terrorist attacks of 9/11/2001. Since reliving moments from that live episode, I realized how important sports entertainment was in Houston, TX that night (and all over the USA).

I had just said goodbye to my friends here in Maryland, and was beginning my Sophomore year at Newbold College in England, UK. I was about 1 week into my Sophomore year when I heard the terrible and terrifying news of 9/11. The whole entire school was in shock, concern and turmoil. Like myself, many of the students at Newbold College were from the United States. At the time my Mother worked for the World Bank in Washington D.C., and her office was located on 18th and I. Being on the defensive, my first reaction to the news was a terrorist attack of this magnitude will strike my city of Washington D.C. next. I frantically head strait to the payphones and called my Mom's office, my Dad's office and home all morning and afternoon. I couldn't seem to get through. I made first contact 8 hours later that evening and everyone in my family was ok, Thank God. I had never witnessed circuits busy like that ever before (or after) in my life.

At "Jameson's" on 9/13 (the bar I worked at in England), I heard ol' blokes slam and slander our President George W. Bush. I wanted to give them more than a piece of my mind. I wanted to tell them to get ready for a serious can of 'whoop-ass' to be unleashed if they don't shut the hell up. However as my job responsibilities required, I kept serving them drinks for poor tip standards. To them I was just another yankee, and to me I was outnumbered. I did however gather the courage to remind them of the lives that were lost, and many families in mourning. This seemed to calm their accusations which led to the owner of the restaurant raising the 'people's eyebrow' at me. Everything went back to normal in the bar when I started a conversation surrounding soccer, I mean 'futbol.' I still was very distraught as I felt the need to be home with my loved ones. 

This year marks the 13th anniversary of 9/11. Since then, social media has significantly advanced it's level of technology and reach. This Thursday morning, I was reminded of the brave lives that were lost on that tragic day by almost everyone in my network. It was a gloomy Thursday morning for me until I heard Vince McMahon's heroic speech on SmackDown 9/13/2001. That night the WWE gave us, 'the people' strength and hope. For those still affected by the terrorist acts of 9/11, I encourage you to revisit this particular episode of SmackDown on WWE.com. Witness the largest public assembly gather just two days after the attacks of 9/11 to support our country. Never forget.