Sound of freedom heard at Jaguars' game

Photo By Chief Warrant Officer Zachary Dyer | The Marines and Sailors who participated in the pre-game show pose for a photo on the field after the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers football game, Oct. 5, 2008. During the national anthem the service members unfurled two giant flags and four F/A-18 Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 flew over the stadium.  

10.10.2008

Story by Sgt. Zachary Dyer 

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

By Sgt. Zachary Dyer
Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort

Marines and Sailors from the Tri-Command area recently had a chance to showcase their pride and patriotism to fans of the National Football League.

Approximately 40 Marines and Sailors with the Single Marine Program participated in a flag ceremony during the pre-game show for Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers game in Jacksonville, Fla., Oct. 5, 2008.

The Marines and Sailors unfurled giant flags during the National Anthem, followed by a flyover of four F/A-18 Hornets from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251.

"I think the ceremony went very well, I was very pleased with it," said Jimmie Woods, the assistant coordinator for the Tri-Command SMP. "It allowed the people in attendance to see the patriotism of the Marines and Sailors involved. With the flyover and everyone being in uniform, I think it motivated a lot of people."

Being on the field during the ceremony in front of all the fans was quite an experience for most of the Marines and Sailors involved. The service members walked off the field amidst the roar of applause from the crowd.

"It was a 'rush' of excitement, being out on the field and hearing the screams and all the 'thank yous' from the crowd and roar of the jets," said Seaman Bradley Gale, an aviation ordnanceman with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31, and the vice president for the SMP on the Air Station. "It was heart pounding. All in all it was the best thing I have done so far in my career."

Before the game started, the Marines and Sailors were allowed on the field to interact with the cheerleaders and take photos of the football players warming up. The Jaguars provided the Marines and Sailors with free tickets and after the ceremony, the service members got to enjoy the game and cheer for their team. The Jaguars also provided the service members with a voucher for free food.

During the game, the Marines and sailors had the opportunity to interact with the fans attending the game, many of whom expressed appreciation and gratitude for the service the Marines and Sailors do.

"I thought it was very, very positive," said Woods of the crowd's reaction to the Marines and sailors. "And it wasn't just on the field. I saw a lot of instances before, during and after the game where people would come up and talk to the Marines and shake their hands."

The fans were not the only ones who expressed appreciation for the Marines and Sailors, the Jaguars did as well, according to Woods.

"They thought it went very well and were happy with the Marines and how it went," said Woods. "They are looking forward to working with us again on future events."

Overall, the Marines and Sailors enjoyed their trip and are looking forward to working with the Jaguars again, according to Sgt. Daniel Laks, an air traffic controller with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron.

"I had a blast, and I believe that all of the other Marines and sailors did as well," said Laks. "Hopefully we can do more trips like this one and get to meet the players before or after the game."

• Date Taken: 10.10.2008
• Date Posted: 10.10.2008 10:03
• Story ID: 24790