Fenway, Opening Day, Rings, and a Championship Banner.

No way in hell was there going to be a celebration like this without Bostonist being on hand to witness it. By this point, a full day after the celebration and game has gone by and there's nothing that can be said or written that wasn't already put to paper, or typed on a keyboard. For an entire afternoon the masses at Fenway basked in the air of an absolutely perfect day for both reflection, and baseball.

The brisk air and gusty winds were reminders that winter wasn't going to let Boston forget that it's not quite ready to let go. Sure. However, the sun shining down on the freshly cut fenway grass, and people waking up with (almost) sun-burned noses and cheeks (Bostonist is one to testify), was more than enough to prepare for the fact that thankfully summer is not too far away¹.

The memories that will forever stand out in Bostonist's mind revolve around a select group of heroes - Red Sox heroes, young and old, real life heroes sacrificing lives for this country, and other New England sports heroes. All were embraced by all fans in attendance with overwhelming roars of appreciation. If there was a roof over Fenway, the cheers would have blown that sucker off.

Derek Lowe, "mental gidget" or not, the people of Red Sox Nation have not forgotten the effort you'd put into being a Red Sox over the years since coming here from Seattle. Dave Roberts, thanks to the stolen base that got the team back on track, is from now on known as "he who will never pay for another meal or drink in New England, ever". The fact that they took time from thoughts of their new teams, the Dodgers and Padres, respectively, shows that they fully understand the magnitude of what was going on here. Equally cheered were the soldiers that appeared from under the giant "2004 World Series Champions" banner on the Green Monster. Not to be lost in the celebration were champions of other Bostonian sports teams. Celtics legend Bill Russell, back to Fenway for the first time in 40 years, Bobby Orr, Bruin royalty, and reigning champion New England Patriots captains Richard Seymour and Tedy Bruschi came out before the game to throw out the ceremonial first pitch(es).

But, for Bostonist, the introduction of Johnny Pesky, a perrenial symbol of Red Sox heart and soul, was the straw that almost broke the camel's back. There were many teary eyes when, "last but not least", Johnny emerged from the dugout, fully dressed in the home whites, and tipped his cap to the people of Fenway.

The sights from Fenway speak much louder than these words. Photos from opening day, and more, after the jump.