Giants honor victims of Sandy Hook in a giant way
The New York Giants made headlines this weekend after providing transportation for about 400 students, parents and faculty members from Sandy Hook Elementary School to MetLife Stadium, where they hosted the Philadelphia Eagles in the season finale.
Giants head coach Tom Coughlin told his team about it Friday, the day the franchise announced the event, according to the New York Daily News.
“What it really means is that we were so taken back in shock and felt so badly for, not only the families of the children, but the principal and school psychologist — the real heroes who knew what was coming and still charged the attack,” Coughlin said. “And it’s Giants country, we know that. To have that group come down, it means a great deal to us to honor them.”
The honored guests formed two lines to welcome both teams. Then the guests and players joined hands to form a perimeter around the field to honor a moment of silence for the 26 victims of Newtown, Conn., according to the Daily News.
Children held signs reading, “We are Sandy Hook,” and “A Giant thanks from Sandy Hook.”
In attendance was Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz, who visited the family of victim Jack Pinto on Dec. 18, without drawing media attention.
“Much love to the entire Pinto family,” Cruz later tweeted. “Great people with huge hearts. I’m sorry again for your loss. Looking at life through a different lens.”
The victims and their friends and families may never forget the tragedy, but at least while at MetLife, their minds were on the players and management that made the trip possible. Big players with big hearts for sure.
