The stadium wasn't packed. But Cinergy Field was awash in red, white and blue Tuesday. Reds fans waved hand-held flags and shouted, “USA, USA,” in a show of unity and defiance against the terrorist attacks last week in New York City and Washington D.C.

        Many fans said they came not only to show their patriotism but also to show the world that the spirit of America, although damaged, is alive and well.

        “America needs to get back to being what America is,” said Corey Sasser, 22, of Norwood. "I figure you can still show patriotism and enjoy the game, too.”

        Others came to the game against the Chicago Cubs to take a break from the continuing reports of death and despair.

        "It's not that I don't feel sorry for the people who died in New York and Washington and their families, ” said 25-year-old Clark Kernish of Clifton. “But I was beginning to snap at people for no reason, and I was being mean to my kids. I just needed a break from it all to clear my head. And what better place to go than a Reds game?”

        The Reds asked fans to observe a moment of silence before the game to reflect on the events of the past week.

        A military honor guard, hoisting the American flag high in the air, stood in front of home plate as Reds players lined up along the first-base foul line and the Cubs along third base.

        Fans also sang “God Bless America,” and a recorded version of “God Bless the USA.” was played.

        "We need to get this whole situation resolved,” said Yolanda Hightchew, 23, of Bellevue. “But in the meantime, I'm not going to let them (terrorists) keep me from enjoying my life.”

Reds 6, Cubs 5 SULLIVAN: Emotional rescue at ballpark Reds fans display patriotism New security plan clamps down on bag size Hamilton in; Reitsma, Reyes out Chest pains hospitalize Griffey Sr. Cubs miss Gordon in ninth Reds box, runs

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