On Saturday, it will be 20 years since the horrific attacks that happened on September 11, 2001, and it was only right to honor first responders. Earlier this week, the Eagles and BELFOR Property Restoration hosted over 40 first responders and their guests at Lincoln Financial Field. This community event showed appreciation to all the first responders who risk their lives every day to serve our city.
"I'm very appreciative of what the Eagles have done in honoring us. A lot of times we don't get the chance to hear from the people we help out in the field, so just getting a little feedback from the Eagles and appreciation from them was pretty cool," said Micah Eddy, a lieutenant at the Singerly Fire Department.
A warm, sunny, and breezy afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field made the day even more perfect as it started with a tour of the stadium. The group walked around the field and through the locker room. After the locker room tour, the first responders were able to experience what it is like to be a player coming out of the tunnel on gameday. When the tour concluded, they were surprised by four Eagles players – safety Anthony Harris, tackle Jordan Mailata, running back Boston Scott, and linebacker Alex Singleton. As serving others is in their nature, the first responders alongside the players, SWOOP, and the Eagles Cheerleaders lined up to pack kits for those who were affected by Hurricane Ida. They filled reusable bags with toiletries, masks, hand sanitizer, plastic utensils, and more.
With Hurricane Ida ripping through parts of Philadelphia and South Jersey, it is hard to forget about the first place that felt her wrath, Louisiana. The Category 4 hurricane hit a little too close to home, again, for Boston Scott, a Louisiana native. Last year, Louisiana felt the pain twice with Hurricane Laura and Hurricane Sally. Constantly checking in on his hometown of Zachary, Louisiana, Scott watched how heartbreaking Ida was for millions of people down south. The storm hit Louisiana on August 29, the 16th anniversary of the demolishing Hurricane Katrina.
"My heart goes out to my state and to everyone involved. I just hate to see it," Scott said.
For someone who has been through a catastrophic natural disaster, like Hurricane Katrina, sitting around doing nothing is not in Scott's DNA. In 2020, he used his platform to raise over $20,000 for the recovery and rebuilding of his home state after Laura and Sally. This year is no different. Scott felt another call to action.
"I have always prided myself on rising to the occasion and overcoming adversity, meeting unforeseen challenges head on, and responding when action is needed. With this mindset and competitive spirit, I am making a heartfelt plea for your contribution to this campaign to aid Southwest Louisiana in its fight to rebuild, repair, and remain strong in duress," Scott wrote in his fundraising campaign.
With a goal of $50,000, all the proceeds will go towards The United Way of Southeast Louisiana's Hurricane Ida Relief Fund.
"I feel extremely humbled and truly blessed to use my platform to make a powerful impact, and I am grateful to have such an amazing team and fan base around me to lighten the load for those who need it most," he continued.
Just like the first responders, Scott was very happy to help put together kits for people who are still feeling the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.
Throughout the afternoon, first responders shared smiles and laughs with each other and the players, who are appreciative of the first responders' efforts today and every day.
