Behind The Scoreboard – September 11 (20 Years Later)

Garden City NY

04 September, 2021

12:02 AM

Description

My philosophy is "Everything I ever needed to know about business I learned on the sports field." From Behind The Scoreboard, I feature the sports stories that tell us much more than simply who won or lost. These personal and inspiring experiences of grade school, high school, college, other amateur and even pro athletes allow all of us to reflect a little more on what is important in life. ~ James C. Metzger, Chairman and CEO, The Whitmore Agency _______ Remembering 9/11 Twenty years have passed so quickly. Within the last few years, the goodwill that embraced this nation following the 9/11 attack has disappeared from our government, our communities, from some of our neighbors and some in our families, our schools and our places of business. Maybe the story about a baseball player and a 9/11 responder from two decades ago can help us reflect on the good and greatness that always has driven this country to overcome tragedies and our human faults. Bernie Williams and several other players from the New York Yankees visited the 69th Regiment Armory following the World Trade Center attack. Bernie was unsure about what he could do to help and if ballplayers should have even entered the location. He then met Red Cross volunteer Eva Usadi. She had been working around the clock. Bernie told her that he just didn’t know what to say, adding “but can I give you a hug?” At the time, Bernie did not know her name. But a search reconnected them several years ago at the 9/11 Museum. Since that chance meeting 20 years ago, Eva has dedicated her life to treating people with post-traumatic stress disorder. She founded Trauma and Resiliency Resources, Inc., a nonprofit not too far from the armory that aims to end military veteran suicides. May our country continue to heal from this tragedy of two decades ago and may we always aspire to help others. May we also continue to heal from the recent tragedies and anger that are afflicting America. Read more about Bernie and Eva in my blog. Photo: Bernie Williams at the Yankees Museum, Yankees Magazine