(from a Boston College release)

BOSTON -- More than 20 years ago, Sept. 11, 2001 now seems like a faint memory to much of America’s youth. In the MCLA alone, most current underclassmen weren’t even alive during the attacks on the World Trade Center.

For those who were, they probably lack any recollection of that catastrophic day.

Yet, no matter how long ago, there are countless figures whose heroism amidst terror, rubble and ash make 9/11 seem far more recent.

Their actions exemplified selflessness, courage and determination -- qualities we could all benefit from having more of today.

Amongst this legendary group, no one individual holds this lasting effect more than the Man in the Red Bandana.

Welles Crowther grew up in Nyack, N.Y., playing lacrosse and hockey, and volunteering at the local firehouse throughout his childhood.

In those days, he could always be seen with a signature red bandana, a gift from his father that Welles would never leave behind. Crowther would go on to play Division I lacrosse at Boston College, where with an infectious personality and a selfless wiring, he proved an ideal teammate. He was a true “Man for Others.”

After graduating from Boston College in 1999, Welles took a job trading equities in New York City, in the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

On Sept. 11, Welles was in his office on the 104th floor of the South Tower when the second hijacked plane struck the building. Amidst the blow, it was the man in the red bandana who kept everybody calm, escorting them to the nearest exits, and even carrying several distressed employees to the ground floor lobby.

Despite saving an estimated 18 lives, and what would have been his own, Welles opted to go back up the stairs in hopes of saving others.

Welles went up, so others could come down.

Welles never returned from the ashes on that horrific day, but his legacy continues to inspire, becoming an exemplar for the Boston College motto “Men for Others.” We will never forget the attacks on Sept. 11, and we will also never forget the man in the red bandana.

This year, at 5 p.m. on April 23, Boston College will host Northeastern in a pivotal CLC matchup at Alumni Stadium.

The game has conference tournament implications and will also serve as “Senior and Alumni Night” for the Eagles. Surely, it’ll be an action-packed evening on Chestnut Hill for a variety of reasons.

Yet, above all else, next Saturday’s tilt will be the “Red Bandana Game,” an event that transcends cross-city rivalries and the game of lacrosse.

Next Saturday will be a tribute to Welles, one that both preserves his legacy and reminds us all of what it means to be men for others.

We encourage all to come out to Alumni Stadium on Saturday at 5 p.m. to share the experience of a great Boston College lacrosse tradition and celebrate the life of an exceptional human being.

All funds raised at this event will be directly donated towards the Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust. If you would like to learn more about Welles Crowther or make a donation to the trust you can find more information at www.crowthertrust.org.