Razorbacks Remember earns award

"Razorbacks Remember," the University of Arkansas' commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, was recognized as one of the nation's best single game promotions by the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) at the organization's annual convention in Dallas.

The series of remembrances and recognitions, coordinated by the Razorback Marketing department, was highlighted by a color coded tribute as more than 52,000 fans turned War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock into a striking scene of red, white and blue or the Arkansas-New Mexico football game.

The vivid showing of patriotism was orchestrated by asking fans in even numbered seating sections to wear red while those in odd numbered seating sections to wear white. University of Arkansas students seated in the student section were given specially designed blue "Razorbacks Remember" T-shirts.

"Razorbacks Remember was one of the highlights of what has been a memorable year," Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long said. "Seeing Razorback fans come together in a remarkable display of patriotism and support for those men and women serving in our military is something that I will never forget. It was truly a fitting tribute and clearly demonstrated the tremendous passion Arkansans have for their country."

The honor is the first national award presented to the University of Arkansas by NACMA.

The Red, White and Blue Out was just part of the Razorbacks Remember ceremonies which were held in conjunction with the football game. Prior to the national anthem, a moment of silence was observed all of those in attendance. Following the tribute, members of the Little Rock Fire Department presented the colors for the national anthem while carrying some meaningful mementos. The individuals hoisting the flags also carried pieces of the World Trade Center in memory of those who perished as part of the attacks or in the rescue efforts that followed. Joining the fire fighters on the field were other first responders and military personnel, including some former Razorback football student-athletes, who unfurled a giant American flag.

Following the national anthem, two C-130s from the 189th wing of the Arkansas National Guard performed a flyover. The planes and personnel are based at the Little Rock Air Force base.

Moments later Arkansas made the traditional run through the "A" with a few notable distinctions. Senior offensive lineman Grant Cook led the Razorbacks' entrance to the field carrying the American flag. On the helmets of each Razorback player was a specially designed Razorback decal featuring a red, white and blue Hog. The same special edition Hog was painted at midfield of War Memorial Stadium for the game between the Razorbacks and the Lobos.

White and red T-shirts featuring the red, white and blue Hog were produced for the celebration. All proceeds from shirts purchased through Hog Heaven will be donated to the Wounded Warriors project.

Between the first and second quarters, Razorback fans gave a standing ovation to members of the Armed Forces who recently returned from Afghanistan, Iraq and other service abroad, as they helped lead the crowd in a Hog call. The Razorback Marching Band was also an active participant in Razorbacks Remember. In addition to their participation in pre-game festivities, the band engaged the crowd with a series of patriotic songs during the halftime show.

During the halftime presentation, AT&T helped honor the 25 Arkansans who have received the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor. Tamara and Wyatt Bacon, the wife and son of the late Nick Bacon, were presented a commemorative 2011 $1 silver coin that was used in the pre-game coin toss. Nick Bacon was the most recent Arkansan to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor in 1969. AT&T also announced the creation of an AT&T War Memorial Scholarship that will be presented annually to a military veteran who is pursuing a college degree in Arkansas.

During a timeout in the third quarter, fans came to their collective feet again as the pilots who took part in the pre-game flyover were recognized on the field. Chants of "U.S.A., U.S.A.," resonated throughout the stadium.

It all added up to a memorable night not just for the Razorbacks on the football field, but for all Americans as they remembered a day that changed the course of our nation's history forever.