AMERICA's GAME . . .

. . . US PATRIOT's GAME









by The Deacon of Doom

December 12, 2009, marked the 110th anniversary of the Army-Navy football game. It was a crisp sunny day, with light winds and not a cloud in the sky.



Army takes to the field.




Navy pre-game.


Baseball may be America’s favorite pastime, but football is America’s game and no other football game is steeped so deeply in tradition as the Army-Navy football rivalry.



Navy bagpipes.



Opening kickoff.


Beginning in 1890, this is the Deacon’s favorite of all football games played. Why? What makes this particular game so special?


The rivalry between the Army and Navy teams is underscored by demonstrations of good sportsmanship and mutual observation of military customs and courtesies:


Army cadets observe the Navy Song.




The Navy midshipmen observe the Army Song.



It is more than a game; it is a gathering of those who will soon be at the vanguard of our freedoms, they are honor-bound by their committed duty. At the annual Army-Navy game, the patriot's love of country is literally demonstrated on the field and in the stands.






Guided by its timeless motto Duty, Honor, Country West Point prepares cadets to serve as future leaders of America.




Ex Scientia Tridens is Latin for "from knowledge, seapower"

The United States Naval Academy at Annapolis challenges young men and women from all 50 states and beyond to emerge as future leaders of the Navy, Marine Corps and the country.



Football is symbolic combat:


The Game honors those engaged on faraway battlefields, so they may look to the ramparts and see those who support and champion their actions.





Final score.



Personal Friend and Life-Long Mentor of StormBringer, the Deacon of Doom was present at yesterday's Army-Navy Game.


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