Whereas the Army-Navy game garnered many of the nationwide consideration on soccer, one other recreation featured a touching, surprising honor for our navy Veterans.
On the Celebration Bowl in Atlanta, Jackson State College (JSU) took on South Carolina State.
After JSU’s Travis Terrell Jr. returned a punt return 81 yards for a landing, there was a flag on the play.
Referee Rory Bernard, nevertheless, did extra than simply announce the penalty.
Earlier than saying the decision, Bernard stopped and honored our veterans with a salute.
As his mic got here on for the primary time, he acknowledged, “I’d prefer to salute our navy veterans.”
In the present day’s Celebration Bowl referee, Rory Bernard, saluted the navy & veterans earlier than calling the primary penalty of the sport pic.twitter.com/0UYvn0lqgf
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) December 14, 2024
The touching gesture garnered reward on social media.
SO a lot respect for Rory Bernard, who saluted navy veterans throughout in the present day’s @CelebrationBowl, earlier than saying a 15-yard pointless roughness penalty in opposition to @jacksonstatefb. You’re the true MVP on the sector, Sir! #CelebrationBowl #collegegameday #CollegeFootball #collegetwt… https://t.co/2jWfDnKDUP
— Jonathan Jones (@jdjonesofficial) December 14, 2024
Class act by Rory Bernard! Saluting the navy and veterans earlier than the sport units the tone for an incredible celebration.
— WAIGER (@waigerHQ) December 14, 2024
“Rory Bernard: redefining penalty calls with a facet of patriotism! Why simply throw flags when you possibly can throw in a salute too? Cue the NFL refs scrambling for brand new methods to boost their penalty bulletins. #CelebrationBowl #SaluteToService – Who knew zebra stripes got here with a…
— Intermix ForYou (@IntermixForYou) December 14, 2024
Whereas it’s unclear if Bernard has any navy service himself, his crisp salute was famous.
He may’ve worn the uniform himself Both manner, it was Crisp, Fast, & Skilled! Referee Rory Bernard! Nicely achieved, sir! ☺️ https://t.co/ZyOriXqodX
— Brown Lady (@SpokenButterfly) December 14, 2024
