Editor, The Transcript:
I was in attendance at the Nebraska-Oklahoma football game in Lincoln, Neb., on a recent Saturday evening. It was a beautiful fall night, and the long-standing rivalry between the two schools was honored and recognized by various events throughout the evening.
It also was the game honoring Veterans Day. The marching band plays the anthems from every branch of the service while the color guards from every service presented their flags. The "gate sentinels," service people that guard the doors to the players tunnel were recognized, and in attendance were veterans from every war and conflict except World War I. Before the national anthem, the crowd had a collective moment of silence for the victims of the Fort Hood tragedy and to honor all those serving our country. While the national anthem was played and sung, a list of fallen soldiers was played on the big screen. The national anthem is always moving for most Americans: however, the entire section of OU alumni seated in section 40, north end zone, rows 80 and up decided that America is not "Land of the Free, and Home of the Brave"- they yelled out "Land of the free, and home of the Sooners." I was speechless, as was everyone in the sections around. During a time when our country is struggling with such a tragedy as Fort Hood, and we all have sons, daughters, neighbors, husbands, fathers that are currently or have in the past laid their lives on the line for our freedom, how could a group of adults be so disrespectful to our country and the servicemen and women in attendance.
This was not a student section -- they were adults that got tickets through the OU Alumni Association. It was not a few voices, it was the entire section. I wish personal apologies could be made to each soldier at the game. We have had a great rivalry and history of great sportsmanship between these two schools, what a disappointment from people who have experienced the "Glory Days" of the great football contest.
MARY DICK-LANGROCK, DDS
Salem, S.D.
