FEBRUARY 6, 1958, is a date that will forever remain etched in the heart and soul of Manchester United and football supporters all over the world. It was the day on which the flight that was to take the Manchester United team from what was then Yugoslavia to Great Britain crashed after refuelling in Munich. It was as a result of this accident that the ‘Busby Babies’ era of Manchester United came to an end.

 

Fifty Years after the Munich incident, Manchester United and Manchester city observed a one-minute silence before starting their Premier League game. While I was watching the Manchester United vs Manchester City game via the Internet, I was moved by the tribute paid to the victims of the Munich plane crash. Never had I seen such display of unity in the Manchester area in spite of rumours about certain elements desiring to ruin the ceremony.

 

I myself had decided to observe more than a minute’s silence at the nearest church or place of silence in Miami, Florida area. I would observe this moment of silence out of solidarity with my family at Manchester United, Manchester and the people of Great Britain (including England) who live, breath and love football. I had also decided to express my solidarity with Manchester United by writing an article.

 

This moment of silence and my article will be dedicated to those mentioned above. When I was sick and in an intensive care bed (being ignored by nurses), England and its football was there to give me comfort and a ray of hope. England and its football teams made me forget the hospital agony and helped in my recovery.

 

As a little boy and an adolescent in the northern state of Ohio, I was marginalised by the State that was supposed to have been my birthplace. My family in Cuba and Florida were busy either with their revolution or making money. England, its Radio/TV stations and its football accepted me as a family. This is something I can never forget.

 

When Hurricane Katrina, Rita, and Wilma tore through Florida and created chaos and fear, England and its football was there to help me maintain my sanity. It is because of this and much more, that I write my tribute to England, football and commemorate the victims of this unfortunate accident.

 

To the city of Manchester, to Great Britain, to Manchester United: you are in my thoughts, heart and prayers as I go to observe my one-minute of silence in solidarity with my family, which resides in a noble area. I write this with my heart and soul. I write this with all of the emotions that are within me as I remember what Manchester, England and its football has given me.