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University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers to Remember 9/11 Tragedy at Home Football Opener
9/8/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 8, 2011
The University of Minnesota will honor the memory of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, during the Golden Gophers' home season opener vs. New Mexico State Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium with several 10-year anniversary events.
The special recognitions will get underway just prior to kickoff with the Northwest Special Operations Warriors parachuting into the stadium carrying both United States and University of Minnesota flags.
Gopher Athletics will then honor the service and sacrifice of U.S. Army Sgt. Matthew Harmon of the 172nd Infantry unit. A native of Fosston, Minn., Sgt. Harmon was killed last month in Afghanistan. His parents, Tom and Irene Harmon, and brother, Mark Harmon, will participate in an honorary coin toss prior to kickoff.
A special recognition of Tom Burnett, Jr., will take place at the end of the first quarter. A native of Bloomington, Minn., Tom was among those who lost their lives on 9/11 aboard Flight 93, which crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers challenged terrorists and averted a collision with an undetermined landmark. Tom and Beverly Burnett, the parents of Tom Burnett, Jr., and Mary Margaret Juergens, Tom Jr.'s sister, will be part of the special ceremony.
A swearing-in ceremony will complete the special events, as three Marine Corps officers will re-affirm their oaths as part of the Pride of Minnesota's halftime band show.
The first of seven home games at TCF Bank Stadium this fall, the Gophers and Aggies will kick off Saturday at 2:37 p.m.
