This is a repost. I couldn’t say it better, and it bears repeating. Today’s game was equally exciting, and the 125th.
Today was the 122nd Army-Navy football game. I watch it every year. I am glued, because it is far more than a football game. It is a rivalry between brothers. I call it a ‘band of brothers’, much like how it was in WWI and WWII. They are warriors on the football field, and the war field. They live their lives with respect, purpose, honor, integrity, and kindness.
But, I’m getting ahead of myself.
Our son was a Naval Academy graduate in 2003. When he was in high school, he was assigned to a Blue and Gold Officer, someone who could answer his questions, and judge if he had the ‘right stuff’. The three words he said have resonated with me ever since:
Ship. Shipmate. Self.
It’s what the Navy lives by. It’s Life-101. First take care of your ship, then take care of your shipmate. Lastly take care of yourself. Ever since I heard those three words I have incorporated that philosophy into my teaching and classroom. Modern terms say ‘kindness’ and ‘giving’. The Navy knew that well over 100 years ago.
I was lucky to attend the 100th Army-Navy football game. That was when I understood. The stands were full of people who could have been my dear friends. Honestly, I could have left my seat and asked someone nearby to watch my belongings. There were ‘Spirit Spots’, spoofs made by the Midshipmen and Black Knights on the giant video screen. Parachuters landed on the 50-yard line. The home team ran the football from Annapolis to the stadium. I got an email today from a friend who was stuck in traffic outside of New York; Army (this year’s home team) was running the football into the stadium. Our son was part of Navy’s 13th Company who ran the ball from Annapolis onto the field in 1999.
Army was cheering today.
‘
Navy was cheering today. That is my great nephew.
Tradition runs deep. Tradition is a foundation. It builds who we are. The tradition at the end of the Army-Navy game is singing the Alma Mater. That’s ship. The team who wins joins the other team as they sing their Alma Mater. That’s Shipmate.. The team who wins then sings their own Alma Mater. That’s Self.
Army singing their Alma Mater
Navy singing their Alma Mater
The Naval Academy has a beautiful Japanese brass bell on the campus (now a replica), a gift from Commodore Matthew Perry in 1854. The bell is only rung when Navy beats Army. It has been a number of years since the ringing of that bell. Tradition lives on. When that bell rings, winning the football game is important, yet what that win means is far more important – hard work, brotherhood, team work… and all the values of Army-Navy football.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
My dad used to play soccer and cricket for the army before WW2. The games were never televised of course, but he had good memories of competing in them.
Best wishes, Pete.
And I bet those men were brothers in harms way in the war.
Very much so, Jennie.
🙂
Is there anything better than a competition like this? Thanks for the information, Jenny! I hope you enjoy your weekend! Best wishes, Michael
You are right. Thank you, Michael! Best to you.
Thanks, Jennie! Also the best to you and yours! xx Michael
You’re welcome, Michael!
It’s always a good game, and it’s because some of our best people are on the field, in the stands and watching.
Well said! True on all counts.
I was surprised Army lost, but Navy played an excellent game!
I was surprised, too. Go Navy! If only everyone understood why this game means so much more. Thanks, GP.
That would sure be terrific, Jennie!
Indeed!
Wonderful traditions, Jennie. I get goosebumps hearing about them. And the discipline within these organizations is palpable.
Yes! I feel the same way. The discipline is something I wish college and NFL players had. When Navy spiked the ball after a touchdown, that was a 15-yard penalty – yikes.
Call me an old fuddy duddy (the first part might actually be true…is 78 old?) but I’m not a fan of the TD celebrations the Trump dance is funny, though😎
Yes, on all counts, except 78 is not old. 😀
I just watched a recap of the game and the interviews after and wow! what a great win and a great game.
Yes! And what a great group of young men.
I have never watched any game so I guess it’s my loss.
I had never watched one either until our son was at the Naval Academy, so don’t feel bad! It’s the tradition, the band of brothers who will help and defend each other in times of war, the honor and integrity…that’s what the game is all about. Best to you, Marlene.
I do get it. When my dad and husband were in the service, we live and breathe it all. It’s quite the shock when you go civilian. Military is family. Dad did 20 years when mom made him quit. Last husband watched wrestling and NASCAR. 😦 I was not a fan.
I know you get it, and yes civilian life is a shock, not in a good way. The family and community within the military gives people kindness and… well, you know. What did your dad do after his 20 years? I’m not a fan of wrestling or NASCAR, either. Best to you, Marlene.
My dad floundered at odd jobs for several years. He visited his local VFW every weekday for the camaraderie. He never found his happy place again though. Many servicemen and women struggle with that too.
You dad was not alone. As you said, it’s a struggle for many soldiers and sailors.
We watched, too. A great game! My daughter attended USNA but son chose Army. I can’t believe you found your nephew in the crowd!
It was a great game. I’ll never forget that your children are both Army and Navy. How wonderful! You get double the pride. Yes, what are the chances of seeing our great nephew on TV?
I agree, Jennie, it is way more than just a football game.
Amen!
A fabulous tradition, Jennie and you have every right to be proud of those young men. Thanks for sharing this day with us.
It really is, John. Thank you!
😊
Since the eligibility rules of college football have changed a lot in the last couple of years, I’m reminded that Army and Navy are two of the only colleges where the athletes are committed to staying put. I read a stat the other day that said more than 1/3 of the players on most teams are now transfers. In other words, when things don’t go their way, the student athletes can just flee to another school without sitting out a year. Of course, that situation doesn’t happen in the military.
Good point! Thanks, Pete.
This sound fabulous and exciting too, Jennie
Very much so!
Fantastic and excellent post Jennie. Thanks 👍🙏👍
So glad you liked this, Kamal!
Always welcome Jennie 😊
Wonderful post, Jennie. I like the slogan: Ship, Shipmate, Self. It’s a good way to approach life.
Thank you, Diana. When I heard that slogan, it hit me like a thunderbolt. Yes, it’s the how we should live our lives.
I couldn’t agree more that traditions are so important to remind us of the good we can do for others.
Hear, hear! Did you and your husband ever go to an Army Navy game?
My husband has; I haven’t.
A wonderful post, Jennie, and really lovely to see these pictures too
Thank you, Robbie.