Eddie Vedder: Hear Speech Honoring 9/11 First Responders at NYC Gig

Pearl Jam performed at Madison Square Garden this past Sunday on the 21st anniversary of 9/11. Eddie Vedder took a moment during the show to honor the somber anniversary and the brave first responders of the terrorist attack.

Vedder delivered a five-minute speech where he touched on a number of points. The most poignant of them was about getting proper funding and healthcare to first responders still struggling with the effects of 9/11 and how the country came together following the attack.

The Pearl Jam frontman talked about meeting with first responders before the show and other activists that have fought for first responders to get proper healthcare. Vedder mentions an activist named John and an exchange they had.

"He said, 'Let's not make it political. It's very basic: Just support healthcare for heroes. Treat heroes like they deserve to be treated,'" said Vedder. He then talked about speaking with another first responder who touched on the phrase "Never Forget." The first responder said the phrase "is a bit of a bumper sticker at this point."

"He told me 9/11 was obviously horrific, traumatic, despicable," said Vedder. "But he says, in some ways, 9/12 was awesome. People came together as one. We were supported by the rest of the planet, almost every other country. And most importantly, in our country, we supported each other. There was a time when we supported each other."

Vedder's full remarks can be heard below.

In the wake of the September 11^th terrorist attacks, the music world came together to help raise funds for those affected with two concerts:  America: A Tribute To Heroes, which aired on Fox, ABC, NBC and CBS on September 21, 2001 and The Concert For New York City, which aired on VH1 on October 20, 2001 from Madison Square Garden.

These shows provided some of the most moving performances in rock history and helped lift a nation still grieving from such an incredible loss.  Here are five of our favorite performances.

The Piano Man's ode to the "City That Never Sleeps" became an unexpected rallying cry and a song for comfort in the wake of 9/11. His performance of the song during America: A Tribute to Heroes is a large reason for that. "New York State of Mind" has just hit differently ever since.

The story of "My City of Ruins" is a unique one. Springsteen originally penned the tune in tribute to Asbury Park, N.J. as part of a Christmas charity show. The Boss would perform the song during America: A Tribute to Heroes and eventually record a studio version for his 2002 album The Rising. It's another song that years later continues to evoke the aftermath of 9/11.

Young provided a very moving cover of John Lennon's "Imagine" during America: A Tribute to Heroes. Accompanied by a string section, it still causes goosebumps decades later. It's difficult to watch this performance without getting a lump in your throat.

"I Won't Back Down" had been an anthem for years, but performed in this capacity, it took on a far deeper meaning. A song already about strength and defiance hit even deeper, especially for the many brave first responders.

One of the most unexpected moments of The Concert For New York City was the set from The Who, which ended up stealing the show. Sadly, it would end up being one of the final high-profile shows from The Who before the untimely death of bassist John Entwistle in June 2002. Their performance of "Who Are You" was nothing short of electric, and the joy it brought to many first responders and their families in attendance is palpable.