The Golden Band from Tigerland will perform a special halftime show at the football home opener Saturday to honor those who lost their lives in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Roy King, director of athletic bands, said the “Americana” show will include “Amazing Grace” performed in the same arrangement the band used in the commemorative show immediately following the attacks 10 years ago. He said band members will remove their hats in a special gesture that has only been employed once before, during the first show in honor of victims’ lives.
King said a local family who lost loved ones during the attacks will join the band on the field during the show. U.S. Navy jets will also fly over the stadium Saturday during the national anthem.
“We believe it will be a poignant moment in Tiger Stadium as it was 10 years ago,” King said.
Chase Howard, second-year drum major in Tiger Band, said he had chills during rehearsals because the show brought back memories of 9/11. He said the opportunity to honor those who lost their lives and their families is indescribable.
Howard said the show will be emotional for many fans and will “unify us as Tigers and as a country.”
 
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