On this day of solemn remembrance, we take a moment to honor those who lost their lives in terror attacks on September 11, 2001. On a day so terrible in the minds of the American people, it is a comfort to hear words and see actions of empathy and kindness from all. However, this instance is a particularly inspiring one for me personally. The unexpected figure, in this case is Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
In his actions, Rodgers was accompanied by Liverpool legends Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, and Robbie Fowler. Rodgers stated, "It was a great privilege to lead the Liverpool delegation of Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, Robbie Fowler and Billy Hogan to a site which carries great significance, not just for America but the entire world."
Earlier this year on July 31th, the squad was in New York City, following their pre-season draw with Manchester City at Yankee Stadium on July 30th. Rodgers and company took the opportunity to pay their respects to the brave men and women who lost their lives in 2001 while the club attended the 9/11 memorial, led by 9/11 memorial president Joe Daniels, and retired FDNY firefighter Tim Brown. Regarding the trip Rodgers said, "When I found out New York was on our pre-season schedule I wanted us, as a club, to come and pay our respects where the World Trade Center once stood and hear some of the emotional, distressing, powerful but also inspiring accounts of that fateful day."
Rodgers also laid a floral wreath adorned with a Liverpool scarf, emblazoned with the club motto, "You'll Never Walk Alone." The motto, taken originally from the show tune, "You'll Never Walk Alone" from the musical Carousel, is one whose message resonates quite strongly today in particular, and one that the club has stayed true to in their inspiring actions.
Liverpool, whose own fans are no strangers to tragedy, having lost 96 fans in the infamous Hillsborough Stadium disaster in 1989, also paid respect to the victims of the Boston Marathon Bombing when in Boston earlier on in their preseason tour.
The class and empathy shown by the club- a foreign one no less, is a wonderful example to all of the role a team can play. Not only a sporting or financial one, but also a community and moral role, and how a team can help improve the world around us. I commend Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool Football Club for their actions and I hope to see others follow in their footsteps in the near future.