NC State and Wake Forest Marching Bands Perform Moving ‘Amazing Grace’ Tribute to Hurricane Helene Victims
|In recent weeks, the southeastern United States has been reeling from the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Western North Carolina has borne the brunt of the destruction, with relentless storms and severe flooding tearing through communities.
The aftermath has been nothing short of tragic. Over 200 lives have been lost, thousands of families have been displaced, and countless people are still without access to basic necessities. Although the immediate threat has passed, the region faces overwhelming challenges. Hundreds of thousands remain without power, and many communities are cut off due to impassable roads, severely hampering recovery efforts.
In times of crisis, it’s often the acts of unity and compassion that leave the deepest impact. On Saturday (October 5), during Week 6 of the college football season, fans witnessed one such moment that transcended the usual rivalry between NC State and Wake Forest.
As the two teams prepared for their matchup, both schools’ marching bands joined forces for a heartfelt tribute to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Together, they performed a powerful rendition of “Amazing Grace,” dedicating it to the victims and survivors in Western North Carolina.
This touching display of solidarity is a reminder that in the face of hardship, the spirit of community has the power to unite—even those who usually compete on the field. Watch this unforgettable moment below.
AMAZING GRACE: NC State AND Wake Forest Marching Band’s came together for a joint performance as a tribute to neighbors in Western NC impacted by Hurricane Helene. @WRAL pic.twitter.com/z95811wTsw
— Aaron Thomas (@WRALAaron) October 5, 2024
Following the heartfelt tribute, NC State and Wake Forest faced off in a thrilling game. Despite NC State’s early dominance and a double-digit lead going into the fourth quarter, Wake Forest staged an impressive comeback. As reported by *The Fayetteville Observer*, Wake Forest sealed their victory with a touchdown in the final moments, winning 34-30 with just 1:01 left on the clock.