The Boston College Eagles hosted their annual Red Bandana game against Rutgers on Friday, September 12, 2026, marking the solemn 25th anniversary of 9/11 by honoring “The Man in the Red Bandana,” Welles Crowther. This BC grad, a former volunteer firefighter, became a legend in the South Tower of the World Trade Center that horrific day.
Welles Crowther’s Unforgettable Actions
Welles was working in the South Tower on September 11, 2001, when disaster struck. Trained as a volunteer firefighter, he didn’t hesitate. He pulled out a red handkerchief, used it as a protective mask, and organized a desperate rescue effort. He personally guided survivors down those treacherous stairwells, leading them to safety. It’s believed Welles saved as many as 18 people before his own final moments. Can you even imagine that kind of courage?
A Gift, 25 Years Later
The continued support for Welles, 25 years on, means the world to his mother, Alison Crowther, who said he “would’ve thought this was pretty great.” Fans packed the stadium, all wearing red bandannas and shirts proudly proclaiming “For Welles.” Marielle Bush, a friend and classmate from ’99, spoke about how incredibly uplifting it was to be there on such a heavy day, feeling a sense of positivity. She remembered the upsetting moment she heard Welles was missing, but both she and Jessica Alberti, another friend, weren’t surprised he stepped up. “He was a person that you would say, ‘Oh, if he was trained to do that, he absolutely would have stayed and helped,’” Alberti told everyone. It’s a huge comfort for his family to know he was a hero right up until the end. Alison calls it a “gift” a rare one, she notes, as most families didn’t get to know their loved ones’ final heroic acts.
A Message for Generations to Come
What truly resonates is the bigger message this legacy carries. As Jessica Alberti put it, the Red Bandana game helps us remember all those unknown heroes from that terrible day. So many people went in and helped, and while Welles’ family was lucky enough to know his story, it makes you reflect on the sheer goodness present amidst the horror. Alison Crowther really hopes future generations grasp the power they have within themselves to bring good into the world. That’s something we absolutely need a lot more of, right now.
The annual Red Bandana game isn’t just a tradition, it’s a powerful reminder of selflessness and courage. As we look ahead, the real win is seeing this message of individual power to do good resonate, keeping Welles Crowther’s spirit, and the spirit of all those forgotten heroes, alive for every generation to come.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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