The Clemson/Duke game got the honor of being the Military Appreciation game for this season. As I mentioned in the Military game post from last year, this game is one of my favorites of the whole year. I love the fanfare that accompanies this game. Clemson has a long military history, and it really shows with the presentation of this game each season. I love it that it's a "purple out" and the players get to wear all purple uniforms for the only time each season. The fans come dressed accordingly as well. The purple is done for the purple heart military decoration. I love it that Dabo and the coaching staff wears camo. My boys follow suit. It's just a great day.
Thomas and I decided that we wanted to take Stokes and William to this game again this year, but were disappointed when it was chosen to be a night game, with a 7 PM kickoff. WHAT?!?! We were playing Duke, for heaven's sake. I thought for sure it would be a noon or 3:30 kickoff. The night game vibe messed with our plans, but I forged ahead with the intention of taking the boys with us. Also, why, please tell me, must we have all of our night games at the end of the season?!?! A September night game would be marvelous, darling! #cold
Side note: Ryan stayed at home with MaSha. :)
Pre-game picture, including Ryan!
Cuties
We got to go with Carole to this one, which meant that we got to ride with her and park in Lot 2. Hallelujah! She was also so, so kind to drop us off at Bowman Field as we were getting on to campus, so that we could show the boys the military vehicles. This saved us some serious time as it would have taken a long time to get from Lot 2 to Bowman and back with those 2 little guys!
Bowman Field:
William with a Jeep
Boys + Mama
and + Dada
This sweet soldier let the boys take a picture with her
They could climb into this one and pretend to drive!
Sweet unplanned moment!
They just stood side by side and Stokes put his arms around William while we watched the helicopter take off. I loved it!
Cool dude
One the back of the Jeep
Waving to the helicopter as he flew back over
They were so excited to go up and talk to these soldiers! When we got up there, they hid behind my legs.
The soldiers were so sweet and gave them stickers, high 5s, and let the boys wear their hats
Adorable!
They loved it!
CLEMSON!
Afterwards, we went back to Lot 2 to tailgate with the tribe. It was so fun! The boys had a blast. Please check out their dancing video to see that they were living their best life.
Umm what???
Such a cutie!
Matt came by!!!!
Thomas, Matt and William
The crew
Plus our sweet tailgate hosts!
This WILD man decided he needed an outfit change. He took his shirt off and trust me that it was chilly outside!
My honey
Tug of war with our tiger tail!
Dance party!
Having just a little bit of FUN!!
We went in the stadium a good 45 minutes before kickoff so that we could enjoy all the pre-game hoopla. We got to do the pledge, sing patriotic songs, see honored veterans and heroes on the big screen and listen to Tiger Band. We were there to clap and cheer as the parents of the senior football players were honored. We got to see each senior be announced and have a solo run down the hill. We were there for everything and I soaked in every moment. Honestly, this is a very, very special senior class. With the win at this game, they became with winningest class in Clemson and ACC history. Pretty special.
Some of our favorite seniors!
Austin Bryant, #7
Hunter Renfrow, #13
Adam Choice, #26
Christian Wilkins, #42
Christian (again)
Clelin Ferrell, #99
We got to see our friend's husband, a student assistant on staff and US veteran, lead our team down the hill and carry the American flag. Very cool.
Daniel Boyd, holding the flag on the hill (my picture)
The stinkers were hiding and playing under the blanket LOL
We ended up staying for the first half of the game (not great for Clemson fans) and through halftime. I just love our halftime show at the military game. The band plays the anthems for each branch of the military and veterans from each branch will stand when their song is played. It's really cool. They also did the solemn 21 gun salute and presentation remembering our fallen soldiers. You could hear a pin drop. Tears. Chills. All of it.
21 gun salute
Saluting
At that point, it was close to 9 pm and all the popcorn was eaten or spilled so it was time to bid adieu. I hate to admit that Carole drove home and 3 out of 5 of us were sleeping (thanks to Carole and Thomas for staying awake and keeping us safe). :)
It was a great game, a beautiful fall day, a special tribute to our military, and a very fun way to spend time with family, and wonderful friends that are basically family.
p.s. Doesn't it feel amazing to be so lucky to be an American? I am blessed to be from America. God bless the USA.
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