September 11th, 2001 will always be a tough day for not only New Yorkers, but Americans as a whole. It is one of the most devastating and heart breaking days in American history. 21 years later and we still feel that collective eerie dread, but also a sense of camaraderie and togetherness in remembrance of the heroes from that infamous day. Almost, if not everyone who was alive for this day remembers where they were when it happened, and it will always be a day that stays close to our hearts.
In 2021, Manhasset Lacrosse Unlimited’s former store manager Jimmy Butler was featured in an article from USA Lacrosse Magazine about his point of view of the day. Manhasset is a popular lacrosse community, and we attempted to play our part as a safe haven and distract the community from the harsh nature of reality at this moment. Anything we could do to give back to the community was not only our goal, but our obligation.
The Man in the Red Bandana
Another major story that was brought to life from the tragic events of 9/11 is the Man in the Red Bandana. If you don’t know who or what that is, allow us to explain. Welles Crowther was an equities trader in the World Trade Center, and a volunteer firefighter in Nyack, NY. Simultaneousl, Welles played lacrosse for Boston College. During the events that occurred on 9/11 there was a mysterious man that was sporting a red bandana over his mouth, not trying to escape the travesty, but facing the horror head on in order to save others. The man in the red bandana would guide people to a stairway leading them to safety, and would return into the chaos 3 more times in attempt to save as many lives as possible. That man in the red bandana was Welles Crowther. Unfortunately, the building collapsed while Welles was still trying to aid people to safety. A few months later, the legend of the man in the red bandana was born. These stories made its way to Alison Crowther, and she knew immediately that this mystery man was her son Welles, because ever since he was little he would carry a red handkerchief with him. His story has impacted many people across the world, and continues to do so. Boston College football honors him as well with an annual Red Bandana Game. This year it is going to be against Clemson on October 8th.
Eamon McEaneney
Eamon McEneaney is another example of a hero who aided others to safety. McEneaney was a lacrosse player that went to Cornell University where he won back to back NCAA titles in 1976 and 1977. Eamon was a 3 time first-team All-American and was a part of one of the best attack lines in the history of lacrosse. In 1993, the North Tower of the World Trade Center was attacked. Eamon McEneaney kept his cool, and was able to successfully guide 65 co-workers and himself to safety. They were on the 106th floor, and were able to get out to safety thanks to Eamon. On September 11th, 2001 Eamon McEneaney was unfortunately one of the 3,000 people that we lost on this terrible day. His story continues on in the world and lacrosse community to this day.
As horrible as a day 9/11 was, the aftermath brought Americans closer than ever before. Everyone came together and became a huge family of Americans because of the heroes that risked their lives to make sure all of us can be safe.
