Everywhere I looked around Boston College’s Alumni Stadium, a sea of red engulfed my vision. With my feet planted on the turf, I gripped my pom poms tightly, taking in the crimson hue surrounding me. Looking 360 degrees around me from the stands, to the field and back to the stands, I could see all the students, all the parents, all the alumni, all the coaches and all the players marked by the scarlet stain. This red ocean was comprised of thousands of red bandanas, that were tied on the fans and imprinted on the uniforms of the players. These bandanas however were not being worn for a fashion statement or for representation of school color. They were adorned on the bodies of those in attendance to show the pure form of compassion and love demonstrated by the fallen hero, Welles R. Crowther.
Welles Crowther was a 1999 graduate of Boston College, who soared during his time on The Heights. Crowther graced Chestnut Hill not only as an academic scholar, but as a Division I Athlete. He wore the number 19 for the men’s lacrosse team, and is noted for stating, “There is no I in team.” He truly illustrated to many the core values implemented by Boston College’s Jesuit beliefs. Crowther was an advocate for demonstrating Boston College's philosophy of men and women for others and yearned to aid others during their time of need.
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He is publicly acclaimed for demonstrating this teaching on September 11, 2001, when at 8:46 a.m. tragedy fell upon the land of the free and home of the brave. Devastation erupted as a terrorist attack targeted the World Trade Center that warm September morning. The world froze as innocent lives were taken from their families, friends, and places on Earth. During this heart wrenching time in American history, there were about a dozen souls that were saved by none other than Crowther. Welles Crowther was an American Equities Trader in the Twin Towers who demonstrated greatness by laying down his life for his fellow citizens. Each of these survivors owe their lives to this courageous man, whom they remember as “The Man in the Red Bandana.”
The Red Bandana was a staple of Welles Crowthers. When he was just 6 years old his father gave him a red bandana and told him the white handkerchief was to be kept clean and to always blow his nose on this red bandana. This paisley printed fabric symbolized the strong father-son relationship between the two over the years. Crowther was known to always be carrying his bandana around and while competing as a Boston College lacrosse player, he even adorned it upon his head under his helmet.
So in 2001, when turmoil arose in The Big Apple, Crowther grabbed his red bandana and with his years of education from his local fire house took it upon himself to help those around him. During this morbid day he was able to face adversity with ease and he calmly and metaphorically hung up his business suit and put on his fire helmet. One of his survivors reported after the tragic day that he calmed down the floor of worry-stricken inhabitants and aided them in safely finding the only accessible staircase. As they all proceeded to safety, he went back up, eager to help more innocent lives. He will always be remembered as the man that helped others on this day of terror. His body was later found amongst uniformed firefighters, which portrays the bravery and heroism Crowther displayed on this day. He exuded strength, honor and courage; three traits that people dream of evoking at least once throughout their lifetime. His legacy lives on in many ways. In 2006, his heroic ways were honored by being named a New York City Firefighter, and his father has his number 19 from lacrosse tattooed on the skin covering his beating heart. His soul will always soar on The Heights during the annual Red Bandana Run and Red Bandana Football Game.
At these events, thousands dress covered in red bandanas to show the loss of his company, to remember his sacrifice, and to continue the thread of legacy and color of honor. Welles Crowther may not grace the Earth physically anymore, but as I looked across Alumni Stadium, the eve where Boston College upset USC, as I looked into the crimson sea before me, I saw him on the hearts of everyone in attendance. Welles Crowther is more than an American hero. He is forever an Eagle.
