Super Bowl XXXVII--U2 Tribute to 9/11 Victims and Heroes

Our country's sense of nationalism and pride has diminished greatly since the months following "9/11", arguably the greatest tragedy that will be experienced by most Americans today. In the months following 9/11, when sports could have become a guilty pleasure and less important than the heavier issues our country was facing, the sporting events instead created a welcome diversion from the after effects of the 9/11 attacks and served to unify a hurting country.

During the half time show of Super Bowl XXXVII, an Irish Rock Band paid an emotional tribute to the victims and fallen heroes of the 9/11 attacks. Musical tastes aside, Bono and U2 made what is perhaps the most memorable half-time performances in Super Bowl history, if not one of the more memorable patriotic moments in sports history.

Rick Monday Saves the Flag

A lot of the patriotic moments on this list are here because of what the accomplishments represented to America. But Rick Monday's contribution was far from theoretical as he saved the American flag from being burned at Dodger Stadium in 1976. No matter how you feel about flag burning from a legal standpoint, this was a special act of patriotism that meant a whole lot to a country in turmoil. In fact, the crowd was so moved by Monday's actions they broke into an impromtu chorus of God Bless America. After all, if the Ol' Stars and Stripes can be torched on the field during America's favorite pasttime (with Vin Scully calling the action, no less), where is it safe?

See the link below for the rest of the list of memorable patriotic moments in sports history.

by jonpyle, Yardbarker, Special to FOXSports.com