By Ray Cardello for December 15, 2024, Season 30 / Post 30

I could not think of a more upbeat topic to discuss on the day I mark my 1,500 article. I started posting on Conservative View From New Hampshire four years ago when I felt a need to help promote the conservative view of political happenings, formulate and express my thoughts, and stimulate conversation and debate. I believe I have met these goals and look forward to continuing my passion for daily writing. Looking back, our country has had many ups and downs, but I am confident there will be many positive stories to chronicle in the next four years. If you keep reading, I’ll keep writing.

Today was the 125th meeting of Army and Navy. There is no way you can watch the spectacle of the Army-Navy Game and not get chills and have your eyes wet with tears of pride. It is pride for our country, the Academies, and the incredible athletes who compete against each other on the football field of battle. Tomorrow, if necessary, they will fight to the death to protect each other and the country they have given their lives to serve. These young men are already champions regardless of the score at the end of sixty minutes. It is unusual to have two high-caliber teams like we have this year with 11-1 Army (Ranked 22nd in the country) against 9-3 Navy.

Two strong teams on the field will be watched by an equally strong team in a luxury box high above the field. President Trump attended the game and brought some firepower with him. Vice President-Elect Vance, Elon Musk, Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Subway hero Daniel Perry will watch the classic. Vance, Hegseth, and Gabbard are all veterans.

The first half showed why they play the game. Army was to run away with this contest. They have the Heisman candidate quarterback and the best offensive line in college football. But Navy didn’t get the script where they were supposed to yield to a stronger Army team. Navy came to play and executed when needed to keep Army off balance, and their defense was equal to the task.

Bryson Daily was supposed to be the marquis player. He was to throw up the stats, bring home the victory, and secure a significant bowl appearance for Army. Blake Horvath of Navy had other ideas. He outran and outpassed Daily and brought the Commander-in-Chief trophy back to Annapolis. Both teams are more than great athletes. They are future heroes and champions for America.

This is a contest between two teams, but it is also a celebration of national pride, especially this year. We are at the precipice of a new era, not just for Republicans but for every American. The President-elect and his guests, many of whom are future Cabinet members, received a rousing ovation from the Cadets, Midshipmen, and those attending this yearly classic. Joe Biden had not attended the Army-Navy Game during his presidency. Having the President-elect in attendance will be something these athlete-warriors will never forget. Smiles, flags, and pride were everywhere, and why not. This celebration is America’s game, and America is back.