McHenry Community High School is hosting a United Under the Lights football game with Cary-Grove High School to honor first responders, active-duty military members and veterans on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Both schools will be selling commemorative T-shirts to mark the occasion with proceeds going to charity. All first responders, veterans and military members will be invited onto the field to be recognized during the National Anthem just before the 7 p.m. kickoff.
McHenry Athletic Director Chris Madson said the idea came about when area athletic directors were meeting in the spring to put together the football schedule.
“The feedback has been awesome,” Madson said of the special game.
Sport Decals is making the shirts for both McHenry and Cary-Grove at a discounted price. The shirts will be sold for $10 each at school in the days leading up to the game and then at the game itself.
Then on Friday, right before the game, there will be a moment of silence, the National Anthem and the MCHS band playing patriotic music. First responders, veterans and active duty military members will be invited to join on the football field. The community is encouraged to invite police officers, firefighters, paramedics, veterans and active military to attend.
Madson said he’s invited representatives of each branch of the military along with first responders from the community. The MCHS Warrior Nation organization is helping to sell shirts.
They’re also looking into whether they can do online ordering and shipping for the shirts. All fall sports teams at MCHS will wear their shirts to the game, Madson said.
A charity hasn’t been selected yet, Madson said, but it may be more than one, depending on sales.