Ten years ago, on September 22, 2001, Larry and I attended a football game at Kyle Field in College Station. It was 11 days after “9-11” and patriotism was at a high. Since Brad was a sophomore in the Corps of Cadets, we were excited to be part of the day to see, support, and encourage him and just be able to give him an extra hug. None of our sons were home on September 11, since they were either in college or graduate school at the time. Texas A&M and Oklahoma State were the teams competing on that particular day. After visiting with Brad that morning, we saw the Corps line up and step off from the Quad to parade through campus. We hurried to the stadium so we could watch as they marched in. After entering, it definitely did not look like a typical game day at TAMU.
Brad carrying the General Moore Flag
Patriotic colors for the game
E-2 Marching through campus
Reveille even sported a patriotic mum for the game.
Waiting to march into the stadium
Marching inside the stadium
As a response to the events of “9-11”, five Texas A&M students wanted to be part of an effort to show their pride in America and support the firefighters, police, and relief workers in New York. They were sure their fellow Aggies would want to participate as well. So they decided that it would be great to wear red, white, and blue attire for the game, rather than the traditional maroon. Due to the distinct layout of the stadium, they suggested that people with seats in the top 3rd deck wear red shirts, the people in the 2nd deck wear white, and the 1st deck people wear blue. To earn money for the cause, they then designed a t-shirt for people to purchase for $5.00, with the money going to help the relief efforts in New York. The first 3,000 shirts sold out quickly and they eventually were able to have 70,000 printed and sold by game day. Within eleven days, the word had spread through the internet and by word of mouth. Not only did the students participate, but also the adults and children, as well as the fans for Oklahoma State. On this day, it was more important to support America, than to sport your own team colors.
T-shirt color for 3rd Deck
The brown in the lower section is the Corps of Cadets
The band's "USA" during halftime
What an encouragement to see students have a dream, develop a plan, and not let the limited amount of time or vast amount of details discourage them from pursuing their desire to help. And then they offered the chance for others to participate as well. “The Red, White, and Blue Out Game” will always hold a special place in my heart. For Mother’s Day, that next May, the boys surprised me with a print of the Benjamin Knox drawing of the “Red, White, and Blue Out Game” where the entire stadium is pictured.
I Timothy 4:12
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
2 Corinthians 2:16-17
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.
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