The annual Army-Navy game, held on December 9, 2023, showcased more than just a fierce football rivalry between the Army Black Knights and the Navy Midshipmen. This year’s event not only drew a large crowd of enthusiastic fans but also served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military service members.
The game, taking place at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, featured a tailgate fundraiser hosted by the Travis Manion Foundation (TMF). The foundation seeks to honor fallen heroes and empower veterans through community service initiatives. According to TMF Chief Operating Officer Joshua Jabin, the event attracted approximately 5,000 attendees, uniting supporters of both teams under a common mission: to uplift and support veterans and their families.
Many attendees shared personal stories that highlighted the deep connections between the game and the military. One notable story is that of Travis Manion, a Marine who was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and the Bronze Star with Valor for his courageous actions during an ambush in Fallujah. His legacy continues to inspire a culture of service and character among veterans and civilians alike. Jabin reflected on Manion’s guiding principle: “If Not Me, Then Who,” emphasizing the importance of putting others’ needs first and serving the community.
The atmosphere at the tailgate was filled with camaraderie as fans from both sides celebrated their teams while also honoring the sacrifices made by service members. “We throw the biggest party around the Army-Navy game,” Jabin said. “Today, we’re all going to come together and support our veterans and our families.”
Veterans attending the event expressed how the Army-Navy game resonates deeply on a personal level. Looney Heffernan, who lost her husband, a Navy SEAL, emphasized that the event is more than just a job for her; it is a way to keep his memory alive. She stated, “For me, this is more than just about work…I get to keep Brendan’s memory alive.”
Support for the TMF was evident among the diverse crowd. One attendee, Paige Bondar, noted, “I’ve been a supporter of the Travis Manion Foundation for years, and we’re here at the game because our daughter is a West Point cadet…Go Army, beat Navy!” Another long-time attendee, Danny Aston, shared his tradition of attending the game since 1981, highlighting the unity that emerges at the conclusion, when both teams come together to sing their alma maters.
The Army-Navy game thus serves as a platform for collective gratitude and respect towards military service members. While the competition on the field is intense, the message off the field is one of unity and shared values. “It’s about connecting everybody, to bring them together, to unite,” Heffernan explained. “I think it’s really inspiring to see that there’s civilians here, there’s military connected, but we’re all here to cheer on the same American team.”
As fans celebrated their teams, both the Army and Navy stood as symbols of commitment and sacrifice. The event reinforced the notion that honoring those who have served extends beyond the football field and fosters a spirit of community engagement and mutual respect. The Army-Navy game remains a powerful reminder of the importance of service, camaraderie, and the lasting impact of military veterans in our society.
