Better Than Christmas Morning: Army vs. Navy Football 2011

"As much fun as these things are, part of what we celebrate is the dedication and the sacrifice all these young men and young women in the stands are going to be making for our country."

-President Barack Obama, 12.10.2011

 
Saturday, December 10th was one incredible day! Why, might you ask? It was a day of destiny! The date of the grand Army vs. Navy football game!

This is one of the oldest football rivalries in collegiate sports today. The hype behind this game was huge and inescapable this year, especially in patriotic Washington D.C. I felt very blessed that we were able to join the fun, although I wished that my own father could have been there. He was serving our nation in the middle east. It's really never the same attending these games without him. My Auntie Barbara says that he's our good luck charm.

 We were so grateful that the game was held in Maryland this year instead of Pennsylvania, since it considerable shortens our commute time. Plus, it was a tad warmer this year...

 There were over 80,000 people at the stadium to watch this game. It was sheer madness! I was very excited.

 Rockin' the suite! What?!? Thank you so much! We were soooo spoiled!

Are we really here?!? You better believe it!

It's pretty interesting that there is also a small Army vs. Navy rivalry within our own family since my father is in the Army and my uncle works for Navy.

I really love this specific game because of all of the military personnel who attend and their rich and cherished traditions.

Look at all of those Cadets in the grey coats! (West Point students) Wow!

Navy's choir sang The Star Spangled Banner. Somehow it's so much more meaningful to me when midshipmen sing it. In a few short years these young people will be serving our nation. It makes me feel so grateful and proud.

 President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden arrived for the game. Historically, the president is suppose to attend this game since he is the official Commander in Chief of our nation. Also, he was there to flip the coin before the game. 

The students entering the field.

 Consequently, there were tons of secret security personnel surrounding the stadium.

 During halftime President Obama met with around 70 wounded service men and women. It broke my heart to see so many young people in wheelchairs at this game. That really humbled me and is a tragic reminder of the reality of war.

 Here comes Navy!

 An action shot.

 TOUCH DOWN!!!! We were so elated!

 It's a tradition that the President will sit on one side of the stadium during the first half of the game and then switch to sit with the other team during the last part. It's to show that the President isn't biased, but I secretly know that he was cheering for Navy...

Hence, the midshipmen and cadets created two lines to escort the President to the other side.

 President Obama switching to Army's side.

 The Navy band at halftime. Of course they would make a submarine. Awesome!

 And then an anchor. I loved it!

 Finally, someone sang the iconic I'm Proud to be an American song, as military families held up an enormous American flag. It was very touching.

 An amazing view!

 The Wheelers.

 Overall, Navy beat Army 27-21 for its 10th straight victory! Oh hallelujah!

After the event, an Army fan spoke with my Aunt Barbara about the game. She told him that my father works for the Army and was serving overseas. He thanked us for my dad's service and I was too emotional to say anything sophisticated or elegant, so I mumbled a highly inadequate "thank you". It made me teary though because in the end that is what this football game is all about. People dedicating their lives to a higher cause. I know that the United States is presently facing dark times, but when I let my mind wander over all of the basic rights and freedoms that we take for granted, I feel that ultimately we have been greatly blessed.

Oh I'm proud to be an American!