Go Navy!

N star flag
Originally uploaded by The Gypsy Wagon.

One of my favorite things about fall is Navy football. I love everything about it. I love the tailgating before, during and after the game. I love the mini-reunions that take place in every corner of the stadium. I love to watch the children of alumni wearing their own blue and gold jerseys, throwing the football in the parking lot. I love the smell of hot dogs and burgers on the grills at the tailgaters, and the popcorn and cotton candy in the stadium. I love the march on of midshipmen - row by row in neat precise alignment, and I love to watch parents in the stands trying desperately to find their son or daughter in the bunch. I love the salute to the opposing team when the Brigade stands at attention and tips their collective hats, and as one, cheers for their opponent. And I love it when they pivot to the home stands, and the crowd goes wild. I love the national anthem, and the fact that this is a crowd that honors the moment with respectful posture. I love the fighter jet fly-over, and the fact that the goosebumps come only after they're gone, because they're so fast. I love the game, the athleticism, the speed, and that despite the fact that the other team is always bigger, we always believe we will win. I love the sportsmanship, the loyalty and the pushups that the student body does for each point Navy scores. I love the way that the mids wait - suspended on outstretched arms - to see if the extra point is good, and then give one last pushup for the extra point. I love the moment when the game is over and we pay tribute to the opposing team as their band plays their alma mater, and I really love when the football team rushes back to stand before the brigade, the alumni, parents and friends of the Academy and unite in Navy Blue and Gold. I love these games whether we win or lose. But tonight, we won.