Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of a day that will forever live in infamy: September 11, 2001.

In remembrance of the lives lost on 9/11 and in a commitment to unity, Friday’s home football game against Green Bay West will be dedicated as Military Appreciation Night.

Organized by NDA Athletic Director Matthew Koenig, the evening will be a tribute to the lives lost on 9/11.

“Twenty years have passed, and it is important to never forget those who lost their lives that day…My goal is that on September 10, 2021, the city of Green Bay and those who attend our football game can come together and be united as one, even if it is for a short time,” Koenig explained.

“We as a NDA community and the Green Bay West community can celebrate one another and remember an event that will forever live in the history books of our country.  Friday night is just a football game: two teams, coaches and schools playing for fun.  Our country should be having fun and enjoying the freedoms we have everyday.  It doesn’t matter who wins on Friday night; what matters is that after the game we can shake each other’s hand and respect the person across the ball,” he said.

Friday’s pre-game events will begin at 6:40 p.m.

Players from Notre Dame and Green Bay West will join together, holding a 20×30 ft. American flag for the national anthem.

The Green Bay Police Department will provide the color guard to present the flag.

Military vehicles, provided by the US Army National guard, will also be on site.

For Koenig, like so many others, the memories of that fateful day still run deep.

“I was 26 years old and remember the exact location of where I was when [9/11] happened and the first person who told me what was going on.  I was confused, I was scared, I was worried, and I will never forget the feeling that the country I live in and love so much was under attack and how helpless I was being so far away,” recalled Koenig.

“Those individuals that were on those planes that morning, and in the towers/Pentagon, the police and fireman who lost their lives trying to save others just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.  I asked for a long time, why did this happen? I remember going home from work and just hugging my wife and crying.  It was a very very sad day in the history of America,” he said.

As for what other special events might be included Friday, Koenig left the door open.

 “I cannot give away all my secrets…I have a couple other things I am working on as well.  Hope everyone can make it!” he said.

Military personnel will receive free admission with a valid military ID.

In coordination with the event, the student section’s theme for the game will be “USA-out.”