For the last 5 years, I have been a Boston Celtics blogger. Rarely swaying my attention or coverage, I usually stick to my sport… most of the CLNS Beat teams are thankful for that.
Today, as the events of April 15, 2013 continue to penetrate the hearts and minds of all Americans, it’s hard for me not to extend you the images and sounds of the tributes of all sports teams around the country.
As the city of Boston mourns and attempts to recover, the rest of the nation joins together in their prayers and pride in New England’s display of strength, courage and unity. As we’ve seen all over the country, this week everyone is a Bostonian, even the dreaded New York Yankees paid tribute.
As my Boston Celtics are priming up for what should be a classic first round series with the New York Knicks, the Boston Bruins were taking on the Buffalo Sabres in the first sporting event at TD Garden since tragedy struck. We will start our brief tour around North America on Causeway Street.
This video is heart-wrenching and makes me swell with pride all at the same time.
While the home-crowd at TD Garden were united and took over the singing of the National Anthem, in Toronto, Canadians were showing their support to the Boston Celtics. As the starting line-ups were announced, Sweet Caroline serenaded the starting 5 of Boston and, instead of the usual boos that would accompany the road team, the Toronto fans rained cheers of support and well-wishes on the Celtics.
While sporting events were still canceled in Boston, the rest of our nation’s teams paid tribute in various ways. Possibly the most stirring tribute came from the Boston Red Sox most loathed rival of over a century. On April 16th, Yankee Stadium spewed tones of Neil Diamond’s Sweet Carolyn. The New York fans joined in with celebration, pride and support for rivals from the north. Proving that, even in sports, everyone is a Bostonian this week.
Here are some of the other visuals from the sports world across the USA…