“Singing second”
is perhaps the most prized moment in the football career of a player
at one of the service academies.
The tradition after games between the Military Academies is for the “Alma Mater” of both teams to be performed by the respective school bands with the teams standing together at attention. The anthem of the losing team is performed first, then the anthem of the winning team is performed second.
In only 2 days and a butt we look forward to when
ARMY
sings second!
GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY!
And extra-special hugs n’ blessings to all the firsties who will play their final game.
Hail, Alma Mater dear,
To us be ever near.
Help us thy motto bear
Through all the years.
Let Duty be well performed.
Honor be e’er untarned
Country be ever armed.
West Point, by thee.
Guide us, thine own, aright
Teach us by day, by night,
To keep thine honor bright,
For thee to fight.
When we depart from thee,
Serving on land or sea,
May we stand loyal be,
West Point, to thee
And when our work is done,
Our course on earth is run,
May it be said, “Well done”
Be thou at peace.”
E’er may that line of gray
Increase from day to day
Live, serve, and die, we pray,
West Point, for thee.
P.S. Reinecke, 1911
*Video credit: Austin Lachance
*Photo credits: Danny Wild and myself.
hugsnblessings 
goose bumps! Video was so professionally done. Love the pic of the (2) service academy players too!!
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Yes, indeed the Spirit video is phenomenal!! So many memories flooding back…missing the great young men from WP and grateful to have been given the great gift to spend that special time with them. HOOAH!
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The pride of a parent and the eternal pain that accompanies the loss of a child who served his country for the freedom we all enjoy. A very powerful message that people should honor with total respect.
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No greater sacrifice.
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My cousin is actually heading to Philly this weekend for the game—not that she has an affiliation one way or another with either school, but was given tickets—– And she and I both know that in our Nation’s tradition of football….rivalries all come and go…but there is none other like Army / Navy…
I don’t know who she’s pulling for but as her dad, my uncle, had served in the Navy during WWII, I suspect she’s pulling for the ones with that goat mascot 😉
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It was a GREAT game!! (Returning recently from a tour in Korea, my son was also fortunate enough to be at the game!). *I am sorry for Billy’s loss. (Giggles.)
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😎
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This is Army’s year! Loved those times at the games.
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Indeed it was!! How glorious it was to watch them sing second!!!!
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We were indeed blessed with many wonderful memories to last a life-time, so glad you were able to be a part of them!!
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