Ten Years After 9/11: 'Let's Roll Bowl' to Honor Heroes

Ankeny Schools will honor the memory of those affected by the 9/11 attacks in a special way this weekend: football.

On Friday night, the and Southeast Polk High School football teams will face off in the  an event honoring the police, fire, National Guard and civilian heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

In observance of the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States, special patriotic pre-game and halftime activities will be held and special guests will be recognized. 

The “Let’s Roll Bowl” is named in honor of the last-known words of Todd Beamer, a passenger on United Flight 93, who was heard to say, “Let’s Roll,” to fellow passengers just before rushing terrorists on their flight. 

Their action resulted in the crash of Flight 93 near Shanksville, Pa., but is credited with saving the lives of people at their intended target in Washington, D.C.

Both Ankeny and Southeast Polk school leaders encourage their fans to attend the game as a way to show their support for their schools, as well as their country.

Ankeny schools also are selling commemorative T-shirts for the game. All proceeds will be divided among the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the Iowa State Police Association Concerns for Police Survivors and the Iowa National Guard Family Program. 

Shirts may be purchased in advance at the high school athletic and activities office. Shirts will also be sold at the game. Cost per shirt is $10. You can view the t-shirt design here.

For more information regarding the event, contact Ankeny Schools Athletic Director Kevin Biggs at (515) 963-4335 or kevin.biggs@ankenyschools.org.

Between special events, fifth-ranked Ankeny will take on seventh-ranked Southeast Polk in Central Conference action.

The in a 56-0 victory, while Southeast Polk outscored Waukee 38-0. Both teams are 3-0 for the season.

The Hawks defeated the Rams last season in a 17-7 victory.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• 5:30 p.m. – Ticket booth opens

• 7:10 p.m. - All police, fire and National Guard officers present make their way to the sidelines and mid-field

• 7:15 p.m. - Football teams take the field

• 7:18 p.m. - Moment of silence

• 7:19 p.m. - "America the Beautiful" sung by Skim Milk

• 7:22 p.m. - National Anthem performed by AHS Marching Band

• 7:30 p.m. – Game time

HALFTIME

• Presentation of plaques to Ankeny and Southeast Polk police, firefighters and National Guard reps

• AHS marching band performs

• AHS dance team performs