This now somewhat famous photo was taken at Auburn on September 8, 2001, as War Eagle VI (Tiger) flew in front of the U.S. flag prior to the Auburn versus Ole Miss football game. My son and I were at the game and witnessed Tiger's flight firsthand. (This magnificent creature died on June 18, 2014, at age 34.)
Three days later, on September 11, we all know what happened.
The photograph was published with the words, “Ever to conquer, never to yield” in the lower right hand corner, and subsequently went viral. The words are the second line to “War Eagle”, Auburn’s fight song, and appropriately express the sentiments of our country, both then and now.