NFL fans went crazy for the emotional National Anthem before the Green Bay Packers and Washington Commanders game on the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks.
Lambeau Field came to a standstill in the moments before kickoff on Thursday night when trumpet player Augie Haas took to the field to perform The Star Spangled Banner.
He performed a stunning rendition of the anthem, which was accompanied by a flyover by four F-35 aircrafts of the 115th Fighter Wing, a unit of the Wisconsin Air National Guard based in Madison.
The anthem was even more poignant because it came just over 24 hours after the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah.
The 31-year-old father of two was shot in the neck while speaking to students at an event at Utah Valley University and a manhunt is on to catch the assassin.
The emotional scenes in Green Bay before kickoff led to an outpouring of praise on social media among those NFL fans watching the game at home.
NFL fans went crazy for the National Anthem before the Packers and Commanders game
Fireworks exploded from the top of the stands in the emotional scenes to remember 9/11
The anthem was accompanied by a flyover by four F-35 aircrafts of the 115th Fighter Wing
‘That was an absolutely beautiful rendition of our national anthem,’ one fan wrote.
‘Hearing the national anthem on a day like today really hits the spot. I couldn’t be more grateful to live in the greatest country on planet earth! I love the United States of America,’ another posted.
‘National anthem low key gave me chills,’ a third commented.
‘Not gonna lie, the trumpet National Anthem goes hard,’ a four replied.
One viewer said: ‘That National Anthem. So simple. So profound. Yes, I’m teary-eyed. Wow.’
It was billed as a ‘top five National Anthem’ by one fan, while another said it gave them ‘chills’.
‘Watching the flyover during the anthem at tonight’s Green Bay Thursday night NFL game hit different this time. Not just praying for our nation…. I’m praying for the world,’ another said.
Another added: ‘That anthem in Lambeau was a sight to behold, total fomo.’
Unlike the anthem, NFL fans were not united on the decision by the Packers to hold a moment of silence for Kirk.
‘The NFL condemns all violence in our communities. It will take all of us to stop hate,’ the stadium announcer said.
But fans took to social media to share their differing opinions.
‘hard to believe based on what he stood for and what he capitalized on,’ one fan said on X.
‘God bless the Packers,’ a second said.
A third fan also seemed happy about the gesture, writing: ‘My Green Bay packers just had a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk I was praying they would do that.’
But a fourth opined: ‘packers /nfl doing a moment of silence for charlie kirk ON 9/11 IS OUTRAGEOUS BUSINESS.’
Other fans pointed out that the gesture was held after warmups – without the stands being filled up.
Another fan said: ‘moment of silence for Charlie Kirk at the game tonight is ridiculous. He’s no hero!’
A different fan called the Packers a ‘loser franchise’ for honoring Kirk.
