So, this Saturday is the annual Army/Navy football rivalry. I think you all know from my previous articles just what side I will be routing for. To many, this is just another college football game. So, why is it a big deal to so many who don’t usually care about football (which includes me)? What makes it so special is that each member of both teams, when they graduate, will go on to serve their country. They are rivals, yes, on the football field. But watch what happens at the end of the game. First, the winning team goes over to the losing team’s side, stand respectfully while the band plays the Army or Navy Alma mater. Then both teams go over to the winning team’s side while that team’s Alma mater is played. Where do you see that respect in any other football game, college or pro? That respect between the services continues for a lifetime. Does the Navy make fun of the Marines and visa versa? Does the Army make fun of the Air Force, absolutely. And does the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force members poke fun at the Coast Guard ... of course. But, are we sensitive when anyone who hasn’t served makes fun of any of the branches of service, the one we served in or not ... you bet we are! We are all one in service and we are all brothers and sisters of service. Whether you served two years or 30, we are all brothers and sisters, comrades. So, if you take the time to watch the game this Saturday, think about each of those players on the field, think about each of the men and women in uniform in the stadium, think about where they might be once they graduate. Watch the determined, aggressive fight on the field, then watch the camaraderie after the game. I think you can then understand why the Army/Navy game is so special, regardless who wins. But, the sign at the end of my driveway tells you just where I am coming from. It reads, “Go Navy, Beat Army!”

The Legion Hall renovations are progressing well. At this time, the kitchen is complete and two-thirds of the main hall has been retiled. Dec. 23 will be “clean the hall day” and our membership will be solicited to help. On Dec. 24, the hall will be prepared for the annual Community Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day.

Just a week after that the American Legion Auxiliary will once again be having their second annual New Year’s Day brunch. It was a great success, so come and make it even a bigger success this year.

The next Legion meeting is Jan. 13 with dinner at 1730 and meeting at 1800.