I was born in this country.  Louisiana to be exact.  Many members of my family have fought for the freedoms we have, as I am sure your families have, aswell.  The flags with bronze stars sent home, the silent stares when you ask them about their experiences and the tears when they remember the fallen.  My great uncle, Guy, was on the West Virginia when it went down in Pearl Harbor.  He survived while many, many more died. I only heard him speak of the war once and I will never forget  his words.  I think of them often.

At the games when they sing the National Anthem and the flyover follows, I get caught up in that moment.  I think about the lives of those who died for MY freedom.  Though, some say it is a battle cry and a warlike anthem that should be replaced, I am not ashamed to say that I have been known to weep when I hear it.

Knowing that there are many veterans and servicemen and women in the Jacksonville area,  I would like to sincerely thank all of you for serving my country.   While we sleep ..... you are there.  And as we wake, work, play and live.... you are there.   I cannot say it enough.

THANK YOU.

From the Jacksonville Jaguars Gameday Newsletter:

"Following the National Anthem, there will be a Heritage Flyover. The USAF Heritage Flight program was established in 1997 to commemorate the Air Force's 50th Anniversary. The flight's mission is to safely and proudly display the evolution of the U.S. Air Force airpower and to support the Air Force's recruiting and retention efforts. The Heritage Flyover will include a F-16 Viper piloted by Major George "Dog" Clifford from Shaw AFB, SC a F-15C Eagle piloted by Captain Sam "NUKE" Joplin from Eglin AFB, FL and a P-51 Mustang, which was flown during WWII and Korea, piloted by CAPT Dale "Snort" Snodgrass, USN(ret) from St. Augustine, FL. "

Think about it when those planes fly overhead today.  Think about the men who flew them in WWII.  Think about those who fly them now.  You are free because they fly and because they stand for you.