Army vs Navy

Posted: Saturday, December 06, 2008 by Travis Cody in
11



Today marks the 109th time that the US Military Academy has played the US Naval Academy. The first game was played on 29 Nov 1890. The Midshipmen have won 54 of the 109 games, including today's 34-0 victory and the last 7 in a row. The Black Knights of Army have won 49 of the games. There have been 7 ties.

There are so many things that draw me back to this game year after year. From the spirit clips made by students from both academies to the seniors introducing themselves and the branches of service they will enter upon graduation, this game reminds me that young people in this country do understand the words duty, honor, and commitment.

Once the competition has ended, the losing team goes to its student section. The players are called to attention on the field with the students in the stands. And the band plays the school alma matre. The winning team stands at attention behind them as a show of respect and solidarity. Then both teams proceed to the winning team's students for a repeat of the ritual.



Congratulations to the seniors from both academies. I thank them for their commitment to becoming the future leaders of our armed forces, and wish them well as they graduate next spring to the defense of our country and our liberty.

United States Military Academy
Duty, Honor, Country


United States Naval Academy
From knowledge, seapower

11 comments:

  1. Sarge Charlie says:
    06 December, 2008 14:05

    you know I had to be pulling for Army but they were just not in the game. I tip my hat to Navy.

  1. Anndi says:
    06 December, 2008 14:45

    Understanding the words duty, honor, and commitment has to do with how people are brought up and not their age... so does understanding that winning a game is grand, but being a graceful winner is grander.

    It's nice to see that show of respect coming from the winners, all too rare in sports nowadays.

  1. Sarge Charlie says:
    06 December, 2008 16:30

    GATORS..........

  1. Mike Golch says:
    06 December, 2008 16:52

    The biggest thing that people need to remember that they are learning teamwork,and that will help them serve our Country better. the main point is thallof our academies start with the same 2 letters U.S.

  1. Cherie says:
    06 December, 2008 17:55

    34-0? Whoa! But a great tradition, and I love the ending ritual regardless of who wins.

  1. Charles Gramlich says:
    06 December, 2008 20:15

    I liked Army's camouflage helmets and pants.

  1. Kanani says:
    06 December, 2008 20:27

    Ahhh..... well, that was quite a win! Nice post Travis. Greetings from FT. Sam, and I'll be back Monday!

  1. Jeni says:
    06 December, 2008 21:45

    I don't really know why, but for some reason or other, I have always been a "navy" fan. Maybe it comes from watching way too many old movies -like "Anchors Aweigh" -do ya think that could be it. I think the traditional stuff is really great though too -for both teams and yes, it does signify "team" work, all the way, doesn't it?

  1. Akelamalu says:
    07 December, 2008 02:22

    It's always heartwarming to see young people who know the meaning of duty, honour and commitment - too many these days don't.

    Well done to both teams for taking part and understanding what it means to be part of a team.

  1. Meribah says:
    07 December, 2008 06:43

    The winning team looked totally jubilant; good for them. :)

  1. Travis Cody says:
    07 December, 2008 10:31

    Sarge: Navy has rebuilt quite well. The Army program needs some work.

    Ann: I agree to a certain extent. But I also give credit to young people for developing these qualities. They are the ones who take life lessons and build lives based on respect and honor. Some become leaders despite the way they have been brought up.

    Mike: I always appreciate the willingness to become a part of the greater whole.

    Cherie: I rarely miss this game.

    Charles: Those were pretty cool.

    Kanani: Greetings!

    Jeni: I usually root for Navy as well, because of my affinity for the Marine Corps.

    Akelamalu: Indeed.

    Terra: Yup!

    Meri: When you watch the end of one of these games, you don't see that kind of celebration right at the end of the game. First the teams come to the center of the field to congratulation each other. Then they go to the losing teams student section and stand at attention for the playing of the alma matre. Only after that does the winning team erupt in celebration, running across to its student section and jumping up to slap hands with fellow students and then standing at attention for the playing of their own alma matre. It is a stirring thing.

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