PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — On the 24th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, the Phillies held a pregame tribute to honor those whose lives were affected or lost on that tragic day.
During the team’s ‘First Responders Night,’ law enforcement officers filed onto the field with all 50 state flags. Delaware State Police Captain Jonathan Packard then played the national anthem.
“How can we not think back to where we were 24 years ago today?” Captain Packard told Action News.
READ MORE | Philadelphia leaders, first responders commemorate 9/11
The pregame ceremony also served as a chance to recognize the families of fallen and injured first responders.
Alongside her son, Jazmin Hernandez, the widow of Philadelphia Police Officer Jaime Roman, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Roman was killed in the line of duty last year.
“It just turned a year yesterday since my husband’s passing, so it hasn’t been easy. But we’ve been getting through with the support we’ve received from the police,” Hernandez said. “Nothing would feel better than having my husband here, but I appreciate all the support we’ve received in the past year.”
Hernandez said she is also thankful for the support she has received from the local organization, Families Behind the Badge.
RELATED | 9/11 ceremonies in Philadelphia region mark 24th anniversary of terror attacks
Ceremonies will take place across the country on Thursday to mark the 24th anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks.
The mission of the foundation is threefold. First, the nonprofit works to provide financial relief to the families of fallen and critically injured first responders.
Second, the organization works to change the dynamic between police officers and the communities they serve. Finally, they provide mental health and well-being resources to first responders and their families.
The organization’s executive director, Mark O’Connor, and associate director, Jack Costello, received a $5,000 donation from Toyota ahead of the Phillies-Mets game. It’s money that will go toward helping the families of the fallen.
“Being out here tonight is really important to keeping my dad’s memory alive,” said Mia Mendez-Carrero, the daughter of fallen Philadelphia Police Sgt. Richard Mendez.
Mia and her mother, Alex, said they are still healing after Sgt. Mendez was shot and killed in the line of duty in October 2023. Thursday night, they were able to find support at the ballpark, where they huddled beside other families who understood their pain.
“They’ve helped us heal, in a sense. We’ve had the same loss. We’ve been there for each other,” Alex Mendez-Carrero, Mendez’s widow, told Action News.
John Marynowitz and his family also enjoyed Thursday’s game with the ‘Families Behind the Badge’ foundation. The former Philadelphia police officer was paralyzed after being shot during a traffic stop in 1993. His partner, Officer Robert Hayes, was killed.
“We must never forget the men and women who gave their life in the line of duty,” Marynowitz said.
Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
