This has been a very hard week for a lot of us in the Philadelphia Union, Sons of Ben, and Bearfight families. On Friday we said good bye to our brother Eric Shertz. It was one of the most intensely emotional days I’ve ever experienced.
The thing I think we all fell back on was the strength we found in each other as a group, as a family. We found our strength in our unity and love for one another. Even though Eric is not with us anymore, he’s still able to bring us all closer.
While Friday was filled with tears, the wake at Stoney’s British Pub the next day was filled with laughs, smiles and memories of our friend. Owner Mike Stone opened up with a prayer followed by some songs by a great bagpipe player. Drinks were shared as friends got to share stories celebrating the life of Eric Shertz.
When 4 pm rolled around all eyes were on the TV’s as the Union were playing in Montreal. Everyone was blown away by the tribute the team gave to one of their original fans. Tributes from around the league started to appear as well. The support given to Eric’s family from all over the American soccer community was simply mind blowing.
At the next home match, against DC United on May 10, the Sons of Ben are holding a free BYOB tailgate in Eric’s honor. It is necessary to RSVP, which you can do by clicking here. It doesn’t cost anything but making a reservation will allow enough food to be purchased for everyone who is coming. DC United supporters groups The Screaming Eagles and Barra Brava will be joining the festivities.
Donations to the Shertz family can still be made by clicking here.
Scarves up for a fallen brother
Tribute to a friend
Mike Stone leads a packed house in prayer
Jim Hunter piped a tune
Bryan James shared his memories of Eric
Justin Lee shared a heartfelt song he in memory of Eric
A packed house celebrated the life of Eric
Punchy came out of hibernation to be with Eric’s son Gabe and the rest of the family
Gabe Shertz brought down the house when he spoke about his father
Gabe flanked by his uncles, Kevin (left) and Brian
The broadcast of the Union game in Montreal paid tribute to Eric…
As did the Union players just before kickoff…
And DC United’s Screaming Eagles…
Portland Timbers’ Lone Star Brigade…
And Real Salt Lake’s SLC Wrecking Crew
Thanks to Dan Gorman, Barbara Colligon, The Screaming Eagles, The Lone Star Brigade and the SLC Wrecking Crew for the photographs.
Amazing.
Great tributes to a Great fan. I like the quote This is my Family.
It made me think of a hymn ” This is my Story”
Many teams across the world have a song the fans sing during the game, it is relevant or significant to the teams history.
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I would like to suggest to everyone to try to come up with lyrics that match the tone to the hymn listed above. The title should be, This is my Family.
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let’s get this done it could be an awesome tribute to eric Shertz the Supporters and teams first team anthem
Love the idea of singing songs for a reason. Is this the tune you’re thinking? I think it’s called “Blessed Assurance.”
http://youtu.be/Z9XZ_HSquUQ?t=30s
Yes that’s it now hopefully someone talented can find the right words to fill in the song. I’ve been trying
This is my family, this is my team…
This is my best stab James, but maybe it will lead to something great. Though it won’t be as emotional as YNWA, it’ll be ours. Love you Eric! RIP
This is my Union, this is my song
Praising my family all day long
This is my Union, this is my song
Praising my family all day long
Perfect possession, perfect in flight
Visions of glory now burst to my sight
Union ascending, fight till the end
Echoes of family, the River defend
This is my Union, this is my song
Praising my family all day long
This is my Union, this is my song
Praising my family all day long
My gollie I think we have a winner. I would suggest you submit it to The Sons of ben website.
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I think that would be perfect imagine the whole stadium singing that all together. I mean it will probably start in the river end but after a few
games and having the song in the programs we might be able to get the
whole stadium in on it.
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Good job, I hope it will catch on!
Now, if we could only get the Ben Franklin goal celebration started.
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The goal celebration and the song could be two awesome tributes to two very amazing fans my brother Rob Lockerbie
and Eric Shertz
Thanks, I’ll submit it now.
Beautiful tribute. Thank you.
The Screaming Eagles, the Lone Star Brigade, and the SLC Wrecking Crew are my new favorite rival supporters groups. Very classy.