The events of Sept. 11, 2001, forever changed the course of the country and the world when the twin towers of the World Trade Center were struck by hijacked commercial airliners. Stories of bravery in the face of catastrophe have poured out since that infamous day, and Boston College has found a special way to honor the heroic efforts of one of their own as he sacrificed his life to save others.
Welles Crowther was a former lacrosse player at Boston College who had just begun working as an equities trader when the fateful day occurred, but it was his experience as a volunteer firefighter that allowed him to save the lives of at least 18 people as he helped assist in evacuating people from the building. His story has become marked by the red bandanna Crowther wore while saving the lives of others, eventually sacrificing his own.
What Is The Red Bandanna Game?
Crowther was born in New York City to Jefferson and Alison Crowther on May 17, 1977. His father was a volunteer firefighter, and at the age of 16, Welles followed in his footsteps and joined the Empire Hook and Ladder Co. as a junior member.
Growing up, Crowther had seen his father getting ready for church and wrapping a small comb in a bandanna he kept in his right hip pocket. His father gave him a white handkerchief for his pocket, saying it was for “show,” and then gave him a red bandanna that was for “blow,” and the bandanna became his distinguishing sign.
An accomplished athlete in both hockey and lacrosse, he was the captain of his high school hockey team and continued playing lacrosse at Boston College while wearing the red bandanna under his helmet along with his trademark No. 19.
After graduating from Boston College and moving to New York, Crowther began working for Sandler O’Neill and Partners on the 104th floor of the South Tower. Previous to the attack, Crowther had mentioned to his father that he was considering making a career change and becoming a firefighter full-time.
When the attack occurred, Crowther called his mother and left her a message, saying, “Mom, this is Welles. I wanted you to know that I’m OK.” When his body was discovered alongside several other firefighters and emergency workers, not much was known about how he had passed away.
Over time, however, stories began to trickle out from multiple survivors about the man with the red bandanna who had led several groups to safety including a few injured individuals. One survivor described his actions as he tended to those needing first aid and then announced to the group, “Everyone who can stand, stand now. If you can help others, do so.”
Crowther wore the same red bandanna over his face to protect him from the smoke and dust as he led multiple groups to safety and each time returned to the building to help. It wasn’t until months later when Crowther’s parents read stories about the man with the red bandanna saving multiple lives that they were able to put together the story of how their son had passed away.
Following his death, and with help from a Michigan-based foundation, the Crowther family established the Red Bandanna Project as a way of promoting character development programs for classrooms, sports teams, camps, and youth programs while honoring the memory of their lost loved one. The Welles Remy Crowther Trust was also established to further their charity work.
As part of the remembrance of his sacrifice, the Welles Crowther Red Bandanna 5K is held every year on campus to help support the trust that was established in his name. Additionally, on Sept. 10, 2011, during the UCF-Boston College football game, Boston College wore a red bandanna sticker on the back of their helmets and the school honored members of Crowther’s family during the game.
The school furthered the tradition in 2014 by wearing special uniforms symbolizing Crowther’s signature red bandanna. The game against USC on Sept. 13 ended up being an upset victory for Boston College by a score of 37-31, and the tradition of finding ways to honor Crowther in some way has continued ever since.
In 2024, Boston College will host Michigan State on Sept. 21 as the official Red Bandanna Game. The game will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on the ACC Network.
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