BOULDER, Co. - (November 11, 2023) In the heart of a bustling CU Boulder football stadium, where cheers and laughter reverberated through the air on Veterans Day, an unexpected hush fell over the crowd. As the second quarter approached, a group of brave individuals stepped onto the field, clad in their t-shirts representing the service they enlisted into, ready to take a pledge that transcended the boundaries of the game. The Oath of Enlistment, a sacred commitment to defend the nation, was about to unfold in an arena typically reserved for touchdowns and rivalries.
The stadium, usually a haven for fervent football fans, transformed into a sea of quiet anticipation. The enlistees, representing the Army, Marine Corps, and Navy, a diverse cross-section of society, stood united in purpose. As the Oath was administered by Cmdr. Gary “Wiz” Pembleton, Executive Officer & Associate Professor of Naval Science for the University of Colorado Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps, the words resonated through the stadium, weaving a tapestry of duty and allegiance against the backdrop of a full stadium. It was a moment that bridged the gap between the thrill of sports and the solemnity of military service.
Initially drawn to the stadium for the love of the game, Spectators found themselves caught up in a different kind of excitement. The Oath, taken in the midst of cheering fans and fluttering flags, became a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who choose to serve. The air was charged with a unique energy, a fusion of pride for the athletes on the field and respect for the individuals publicly pledging to protect the very freedom that allowed such gatherings.
As the echoes of the Oath faded away, the stadium erupted into applause. The enlistees, now part of an exclusive brotherhood and sisterhood, exchanged glances that conveyed the weight of their commitment. The story of that football game would be etched in the memories of both the enlistees and the spectators, a tale of unity, patriotism, and the extraordinary intersection of sports and service.
Navy Talent Acquisition Group Rocky Mountain encompasses the states of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and parts of Idaho, Nebraska, and Kansas, providing Navy Recruiting services from more than 30 dispersed offices. (U.S. Navy photo by Matthew Wheeler, NTAG Rocky Mountain Public Affairs/Released)
| Date Taken: | 11.11.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2023 16:08 |
| Photo ID: | 8121106 |
| VIRIN: | 231111-N-OO235-1001 |
| Resolution: | 8256x5504 |
| Size: | 22.63 MB |
| Location: | BOULDER, COLORADO, US |
| Hometown: | AURORA, COLORADO, US |
| Hometown: | BOULDER, COLORADO, US |
| Hometown: | DENVER, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 24 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Enlistees take Oak of Enlistment on Veterans Day, by Matthew Wheeler, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
