One More Look Back

Dennis and I went to the Angels/White Sox game last night.  Our team lost but it was still a nice warm night to be outside watching a baseball game.

Before the game started, there was a nice ceremony dedicated to the memories of all those who perished in the tragedy of September 11th.  The Costa Mesa Color Guard presented the flags, the Orange County Sheriff's Dept. bugal corp played the National Anthem, and a group of at least 100 Emergency workers, firemen, police officers, and paramedics unfolded a huge American flag.  The electronic ad screens were lit up with red, white and blue lights and the words, "We Will Never Forget".  It was very moving.  After the ceremony, 4 uniformed U. S. Marines from Camp Pendleton took the field to throw out the first pitch.  From the moment those guys stepped onto the field, the crowd was on it's feet cheering for them.  We couldn't even hear their names announced over the crowd noise.  It was such a thrill to see their joy and appreciation at the expression of gratitude and love being shown them.  It just gave us chills to be apart of that. 

During the 7th inning stretch a young girl, maybe 6 or 7 years old sang "God Bless America" before singing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame".  What a voice and a mature presence for such a young child.  She did a great job.

It was a very uplifting night and the loss didn't seem to matter, all things considered.