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On 9/11, Broncos Country Offers Lesson on Unity

By Ian St. Clair

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Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and executive vice president of football operations John Elway celebrate after the 2013 AFC championship playoff football game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

In moments of tragedy, we look for answers.

We need some sort of understanding to make sense of the nonsensical. It’s human nature to ask “why” and “how.” We need those answers, though we have to know they more than likely won’t ever come.

On the 13th anniversary of the deadly, cowardly attacks on our nation, the scab is fresh and the questions remain unanswered.

The memories flash back.

You remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard or saw.

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It’s times like these we should stop searching for answers and come together as a country. Enough of the divide, hate and spite. That’s not how we should honor those lives lost.

It might sound crazy, but sports can show us the way. If sports fans of all different races, ages, parties and religions can unite for one team, why can’t this nation do the same?

Denver Broncos fans refer to themselves as “Broncos Country.”

It’s not just a phrase or place; it’s a way of life.

The orange and blue runs thick and deep within this “country.” When success happens, we all feel pride. When we close our eyes, we can see John Elway’s helicopter and hear the call from Dave Logan and Scott Hastings as it happened. As time clicked off for Super Bowl XXXII, we hear Logan’s words:  “Stand up and salute, Denver. You got the World Champions.” We hear those four words, “This one’s for John.”

When one of its own is suffering, everyone does. The country rises up and does whatever possible to help.

The most recent example is the outpouring of emotion, praise and support for Broncos owner Pat Bowlen when he left the team due to Alzheimer’s. Broncos Country lost its leader. The man responsible for the 30-year run of success was gone. We see the emotion on Elway’s face and pain in his voice. It still haunts this country to think about that.

The heart of Broncos Country was in pain. It still is, and it will never be complete again.

But that news brought us closer together. We want to do right by the man responsible for so many unforgettable memories. That’s what he deserves.

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    • We created the rallying cry, “This one’s for Pat.” We hope the Broncos use it. We hope they do so we can hear Elway say those four words after he’s handed the Lombardi Trophy when the Broncos win the Super Bowl. It’s Broncos Country’s way to honor him. And we can’t do it enough.

    If you follow any of us on Twitter, #ThisOnesforPat is just as popular as #Broncos or #BroncosCountry.

    As the pain and haunting images of 13 years ago today flood back, use Broncos Country as your compass. Ask the questions “why” and “how” if it helps. The popular phrase to use in times like these is #NeverForget.

    That’s a start.

    Never forget that day and the pain you felt. Never forget the images. Never forget the lives lost.

    But never forget that you’re a part of a country that is far better equipped for these moments together than apart. Let the vile and hate end – for at least one day – and honor those in the right way.

    This isn’t about who’s right or wrong. This isn’t about who’s responsible. This is about members of this country losing their lives. They deserve to see us rise up and come together.

    As we grieve and remember the 13th anniversary, let’s take a cue from Broncos Country.

    It’s not just a phrase or place; it’s a way of life.

    #NeverForget.

    Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and executive vice president of football operations John Elway before the 2013 AFC championship playoff football game against the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

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