The Redskins helped kick off the NFL season with a spectacular, moving pre-game commemoration of the tragedy of Sept. 11 that was broadcast nationally.
Pop singers Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey performed "America the Beautiful" at 12:58 p.m. ET, a few minutes before the start of the Redskins game at 1 p.m. ET.
Their performance was televised nationally by CBS and FOX and also seen by fans on on-stadium video screens at other game sites.
Also at FedExField, there was a military fly-over as the stadium's display boards lit up with the names of Pentagon victims from Sept. 11, 2001.
A total of 92,000 U.S. flags were issued to fans entering the stadium, a large-scale version of the Stars and Stripes were unfurled and Roy Firestone's rendition of "God Bless America" were other highlights of the day.
In addition, the wives of the Washington Redskins and volunteers from several local ROTC programs collected donations at entrances to FedExField for the Redskins Relief Fund for those affected and displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Sunday was an occasion to remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11 and during Hurricane Katrina--and to offer hopes and prayers to their families and friends.
