BCC to wear special 9/11 jerseys, because it is 'important we remember'
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BATTLE CREEK - The players wearing the jersey to commemorate 9/11 weren't born yet when it happened, but it's important they know why they are wearing the jersey.
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That's the idea behind the jerseys and why Battle Creek Central head football coach Lorin Granger put them on his team.
"This is important we remember. Any time you get an opportunity to remember 9/11, and those that served and continue to serve, you do it," Granger said. "Friday football doesn't always fall on Sept. 11, so when it does, you can take the opportunity to talk about history with the kids and help them understand what exactly has been given for their freedom and ability to even play the game."
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Battle Creek Central will wear special jerseys for its Friday varsity football game at Mattawan to honor the first responders and the lives lost associated with 9/11 as the Bearcats play on the 25th anniversary of one of the darkest hours of this country. Friday marks the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
"Wearing these jerseys are important to memoralize 9/11. It is important that we honor those people that were involved in 9/11. It's on honor for us to do this," said Battle Creek Central senior Karon Gupton.
The red, white & blue jerseys include stripes and stars recalling the American flag. They also have words Battle Creek Police Department (BCPD) and Battle Creek Fire Department (BCFD) as well as the United States Armed Forced across the chest. There is a 9-11 Memorial patch on the shoulder.
While the game isn't at home on Friday, BCC is asking several local police and firefighters to join them on the trip to Mattawan.
"The kids weren't alive when it happened, but their parents have told them the stories of what happened," Granger said. "The game of football involves a lot of life lessons. To be able to have the opportunity to honor those who fought for our rights to earn the chance to play this game is a special opportunity to teach some of those life lessons by doing this. We are honored as a team to get the opportunity."
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This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: BCC to wear special 9/11 jerseys, because it is 'important we remember'