Trumpet rendition of national anthem brings tears at Packers–Commanders game on 9/11
Augie Haas’ solo at Lambeau Field, accompanied by an F‑35 flyover and fireworks, prompted emotional reaction and debate after a moment of silence for a recently killed public figure
A lone trumpet rendition of “The Star‑Spangled Banner” stopped play and drew visible emotion at Lambeau Field on Thursday night as the Green Bay Packers hosted the Washington Commanders on the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
Trumpet player Augie Haas performed a solemn, unaccompanied version of the anthem that was followed by a four‑jet F‑35 flyover by the 115th Fighter Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard and fireworks from the top of the stands. The combination of the music, aircraft and pyrotechnics prompted loud applause and tearful reactions from fans in the stadium and widespread praise on social media.
The anthem and flyover took on added poignancy for some viewers because they came just over 24 hours after authorities in Utah reported the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk, 31, a father of two, was reportedly shot while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University; a manhunt was under way on Friday, according to reports.
The stadium announcer addressed the killing before kickoff, saying, "The NFL condemns all violence in our communities. It will take all of us to stop hate." The Packers also held a moment of silence for Kirk later in the evening, a gesture that prompted mixed reactions among fans and on social media.
Viewers on X and other platforms lauded the anthem performance. "That was an absolutely beautiful rendition of our national anthem," one user wrote. "Hearing the national anthem on a day like today really hits the spot. I couldn't be more grateful to live in the greatest country on planet earth! I love the United States of America," another posted. Other comments included, "National anthem low key gave me chills," and "That National Anthem. So simple. So profound. Yes, I'm teary‑eyed. Wow."
Not all responses were positive. Some users criticized the decision to hold a moment of silence for Kirk on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. One post called the gesture "outrageous business," while another said, "moment of silence for Charlie Kirk at the game tonight is ridiculous. He’s no hero!" Others defended the Packers’ choice to acknowledge the killing, with one fan writing, "My Green Bay packers just had a moment of silence for Charlie Kirk I was praying they would do that."
The 115th Fighter Wing, based in Madison, Wisconsin, provides Air National Guard support to the region and frequently conducts ceremonial flyovers at significant civic and sporting events. Flyovers and musical tributes are customary at NFL games on Sept. 11, a date when many teams and local communities observe moments of remembrance.
Thursday night's game drew attention both for its on‑field matchup and for the broader, sometimes contested, ways public venues acknowledge national tragedies and the deaths of public figures. The Packers and the NFL did not immediately provide further comment beyond the stadium announcement and pregame ceremonies.
The game continued as scheduled after the pregame tributes. Further developments regarding the reported shooting in Utah were being handled by law enforcement agencies and will be reported by authorities as investigations proceed.