The day after the devastating events of 9/11, Sept. 12 is widely known for being one of the quietest days in American history. The 9/11 attacks went viral internationally by this day and international reactions arose. A French Newspaper announced on Sept. 12, “we are all Americans,” and people worldwide agreed that these terrorist attacks felt like everyone everywhere was attacked, as family members from over 50 countries lost their lives that day in New York.  

Sept. 12 was the first day of the return to our feet, the most painful day, the day where many men and women dropped out of school to join the military. There were no divisions in political parties, races or sexuality that day. Everyone was an American, fighting together. The New York Post published many articles sharing the story, different interviews and the aftermath of what was to come. One article titled, “Midtown a Ghost Town,” notes how Midtown, Manhattan, a town known for its liveliness, streets flooded with pedestrians and taxis, was bare. Restaurants closed, Broadway shows cancelled, shops locked up and the bright TVs and signs all black. “The only things missing are tumbleweeds,” one person said in the 2001 article. 

Major League Baseball responded heavily to this event as well. The New York Yankees were playing Boston at home and just as the world stopped during the terrorist attack, so did sports. Essentially, baseball and all other sports helped in the healing process as once the games returned, it allowed viewers a safe place for all to come together. MLB Commissioner at the time, Bud Selig, had made the decision to discontinue all games for a day, which then extended to three days and in the end a total of six days. Sept. 12, 2001 was an upsetting day for the United States and was notably one of its quietest days. People statewide drove in silence and mourned the lives that were lost. No one could prepare for what happened that day and it will never be forgotten.