As we head toward the end of June and into July, it's also Induction Day (I Day) and Reception Day (R Day) at the United States Naval Academy and the United States Military Academy at West Point. I Day and R Day officially mark the first day of Plebe Summer. Plebe Summer is when incoming freshman transition to military life.
For me, I always love watching the I Day and R Day footage as it gives me an inside glimpse into life at the military academies. Anyone who knows me also knows that I love summer because it's the beginning of my beloved football season. It should come as no surprise that I am a huge fan of Midshipmen football.
As fall closes and we head into December, I always get so excited to witness America's Game; the Army vs Navy football game. In 2018, I drove to Lincoln Financial Field, just outside Philadelphia to attend the 119th Army/Navy game.
I was working on a book project for a local VFW Post when I met a former cadet from the US Military Academy at West Point. He had been deployed to Iraq after his commissioning into the US Army. However, he still made it a point to attend as many home football games for the Army Black Knights. He was kind enough to offer me two tickets to the 2018 Army/Navy game in appreciation for all my hard work on the book project.
Going to Philadelphia for the Army/Navy Game was so much fun. I had recently started a new job and was eager to get away from my computer for a day. I love the environment of a live event, especially a sporting event. The Army/Navy Game had all the right pieces.
As I was arriving at the game, I got to see the flyover of the Navy Blue Angels and the US Army Black Hawk helicopters. You could hear them roaring from a mile away. The sound of the jet engines and the rotor blades were unparalleled. Just being able to witness the flyover with my own eyes was special.
December in the Northeast is COLD. But this game was frigid. As my friend and I hiked to the very top of the stadium to our seats, our faces were frozen. I had hand and foot warmers stuffed inside two layers of gloves and two layers of socks. The plastic seats felt like ice. Not even two hats and two scarves could keep me warm enough.
A tradition of the Army/Navy Game is the President of the United States being in attendance. I got to see President Donald Trump in person. President Trump is the only person allowed at the game to root for both Army and Navy. He attended the first two quarters of the game sitting on the Navy sidelines and at halftime, he was escorted to the Army sideline for the last two quarters of the game.
President Trump at the 2018 Army/Navy Game
America's Game represents more than just college football. When you watch the Army/Navy Game in person or on television, it represents the sacrifice that these young men are making as they head toward graduation. It's the only game where after it's all over, all the men playing are teammates when they head out to protect our freedom.
The sights and sounds of the Army/Navy Game are second to none. I mentioned the flyovers already, but there is nothing that compares to witnessing the coveted March On. The March On is when all students of both academies march onto the field together right before the start of the game. The combined glee clubs of both academies perform the National Anthem together. While it is a bitter rivalry, the two schools have each others backs.
As I was sitting in the upper deck freezing, I tried to take in every moment of the game. It had been a dream of mine to attend the game for many years. Finally sitting there, seeing Navy play in its most important game of the season, I was nothing but a ball of excitement.
The Army/Navy Game is rooted in tradition. It's been played more than 120 times, either in Baltimore or Philadelphia, but for the first time, it will be played in my home state of New Jersey. MetLife Stadium will host the 2021 Army/Navy Game. It's at times like this that I wish I still lived there.
At the Army/Navy Game, 2018
As the minutes wound down to 0:00 and the game was final, my beloved Navy Midshipmen lost for the second straight year. I'd waited a long time to go to the game only to see my blue and gold lose. But that didn't stop me from taking part in one of best traditions associated with military academy football.
The goal is always to sing second. Anytime a military academy plays, the loser of the game sings their alma mater first. I proudly yelled out the lyrics to Navy Blue and Gold. The boys of Navy put on a good fight effort and although they fell short, it was still a moment that I remember fondly.
As always with my blog, I like to share my special memories with my readers so I hope you've enjoyed a look into this little midshipmen fans life. As always....
Go Navy, Beat Army!
Signing off,
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