3. Vince Addresses a Grieving Nation/Lillian Garcias National Anthem
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fm3YR4-LQPU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4NFIBaHnl4 There are times in the history of a country where an event has the opportunity to bring people back together after an unconscionable tragedy. Oddly enough, the first major gathering in the United States after the September 11th Attacks was Smackdown on Thursday the 13th. Following such a stunning moment, something that will forever dwell in the American consciousness, Vince McMahon decided that he would do everything he could to help the nation begin to heal. That night, in front of thousands in attendance Houston and at home, the chairman stood in the middle of the ring and, with heartfelt resolve not only helped remind people of who they are as Americans, but challenged and emboldened everyone to live their lives without fear. His words had already been given their heart that evening by Lillian Garcia, who absolutely belted out what is probably the best version of the Star-Spangled Banner that I have ever heard, and pays a great justice to a poem written ages ago in the middle of a heated battle our young nation did not believe it would win. For a brief moment, the WWE stood above its fringe status and represented the nation as an embodiment of its spirit, if only for one night. That night, as much as Piazzas home run, as much as Giuliani on Saturday Night Live, helped send a message that America was going to get back on its feet.