9.11 Rituals, and Baseball, and Football

 NATS STATDIUM, BEAUTIFUL SATURDAY NIGHT

Ten years. The memories are clear but the emotions are less raw, which is good. We're all moving on. I liked the dedication of the 9.11 memorials; less so the constant replay of the attacks. The Shanksville dedication Saturday was especially moving, thanks to the singing of Sarah McLaughlin.

  WE WENT THROUGH A LOT OF PITCHERS IN THE PROCESS OF LOSING

Of the politicians, President Bush was the most appropriate; Bill Clinton the least so, because it was grandstanding, and Vice President Biden was good for about two-thirds of his speech before he went on too long. The family member who spoke was the most relevant and poignant, as it should be. 

 THE STADIUM WAS NEAR FILLED

I have 9.11 rituals. I always take down from the bookshelf The New York Times "Portraits" book and read random bios. I also try to do things that are about living, about what the dead would do if they could, if they hadn't been murdered. So last night a baseball game, today a good walk and pizza, this evening it will be football. 

 SEVENTH INNING STRETCH, "TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME."

 THE MANAGER'S POST-GAME CHAT WITH BASEBALL WRITERS

The networks did way too much replaying of the attacks, but the unveiling of the memorials showed that families and others now have someplace to go that celebrates life with reverence, context and respect.

 THE STADIUM THIRTY MINUTES AFTER THE LAST PITCH

The security at the stadium was intense. They had dogs thoroughly check every car. Did I feel safer? No. Do I feel safer since 9.11? No. 

It was good to have the Redskins-Giants game today. Thank you, Redskins, for such a good game. Later I watched "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." Not a documentary but a comedy from long ago with an unbelievable cast.