Special military ceremonies to happen during pregame on Saturday

Submitted by Wolverine Devotee on

Per the Inside Michigan Football Radio Show, there will be-

  • A moment of silence for military members that have passed
  • A 21 gun salute
  • Two very large American flags covering the field during the National Anthem
  • A bald eagle to fly in from one end of the stadium to the other endzone
  • FIVE jets to flyover in pregame and at halftime during the special MMB halftime show which is supposed to be incredible.

Saturday is Military Appreciation Day. 

Michigan had Military Appreciation Day twice, IIRC. Someone correct me if I'm wrong. They did have a large flag in 2010 vs Illinois for that edition of Military Apprecitation. 

BlueBarron

September 10th, 2014 at 8:12 PM ^

Any word on what the flyover is? If it's a five-ship my guess is the Black Diamond Jet Team again like during the night game last year. Or the Hoppers L-39 team.

Raoul

September 10th, 2014 at 8:45 PM ^

The promotions page at mgoblue.com has details on Military Appreciation Day, and, yes, it will be the Black Diamond Jet Team.

• Military Appreciation Day

   » During pregame, a moment of silence will be held, followed by a 21-gun salute conducted by the Washtenaw Honor Guard. The national anthem will be performed by the Michigan Marching Band, directed by Jerry Blackstone, Director of Choral Activities, Professor and Chair of Conducting at the University of Michigan. 



   » Two large American field flags will be held by members of the Michigan National Guard, members of the University of Michigan ROTC, veterans from Team Red, White & Blue, local active duty troops and University of Michigan students, faculty and staff veterans.



   » At the conclusion of the National Anthem, Challenger, an American Bald Eagle, will soar onto the field. Also, following the National Anthem, a flyover will be conducted by five L-39 Albatross' of the Black Diamond Jet Team, America's Premiere Civilian Demonstration Team. Leading the formation is USAF Retired Lt. Col. Jerry "Jive" Kerby.



   » Joining the Michigan team captain's during the coin toss will be Ken Weinert. Weinert was deployed to Iraq in 2004 with the U.S. Army, where he was hit by an IED in Sadr City, Baghdad. Due to his injuries, he lost full use of his right arm. He has been active with the Wounded Warrior Project and has participated in the Soldier Ride, alumni programs and became a peer mentor last year. 



   » Robert Fletcher will also be recognized as the Veteran of the Game. Fletcher, at the age of 17, voluntarily joined the U.S. Army in 1950. On Nov. 27, 1950, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war by the North Koreans / Chinese Communists until released on Aug. 7, 1953. He was awarded numerous medals including the Combat Infantry Badge, Prisoner of War Medal, and a Purple Heart. 



• Michigan Marching Band

   » Band Rehearsal -- 9-11 a.m., Elbel Field

   » Percussion Step Show -- 2 p.m., Steps of Revelli Hall

   » Parade to the Stadium -- 2:30 p.m., Revelli Hall 



• "National Anthem Anniversary" Marching Band Halftime Performance 

DC Johnny

September 10th, 2014 at 8:12 PM ^

... for 1st responders, teachers, charities, ...
NO disrespect whatsoever for our troops bit it seems like every sporting event commemorates their outstanding duty - but we GET IT ... we really do ... today is NOT post- Viet Nam, and other are just as heroic in a different way

ArthurUM84

September 11th, 2014 at 8:15 AM ^

The government has to continue to drum up whatever public support it can for its latest bombing excursion into the middle east.  Syria now, is it?  And certainly no boots on the ground, like promised, right?  Except the "advisors" in Northern Iraq "training" the Kurds' KPG arm (more pro-capitalism), who surely won't turn on the PKK (more left leaning, designated by the US as a "terrorist" group) at some point with their shiny new American weapons?  Picking Kurdistan's future right-wing, pro-capitalism, American puppet state ahead of time.  

GoWings2008

September 11th, 2014 at 9:06 AM ^

so you're equating a commemorative ceremony regarding 9-11 to the support that the government needs for another operation?  Really?  Quite a leap there.  And besides, B.O.G. or lack thereof would not preclude air strikes.  Do you even understand the nature of warfare? 

GoBLUinTX

September 10th, 2014 at 9:24 PM ^

anniversary of the night an obscure lawyer was inspired to pen the lyrics to the national anthem.  Although Francis Scott Key was moved to write about bombs bursting in air, the UofM regents aren't nearly as impressed by fireworks.

carolina blue

September 10th, 2014 at 9:42 PM ^

to find the youtube video of the halftime from the game adter 9/11. It is truly a great one. The whole stadium singing America the Beautiful is just unreal.

Be prepared for it to get dusty in the room.