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PrintAs a 1974 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, I was a naval aviator for seven years. I then chose to go to medical school to accomplish a lifelong dream. I was in Desert Storm as an Army anesthesiologist, as I had transferred into the Army while in medical school. I am a board certified anesthesiologist now practicing for 24 years. So much for my intro.
I was at the game; I was so excited, and surprised, at the end of the Navy-Missouri game.
It could never happen that way. Just as my dreams had come true attaining my childhood dreams. I was so happy. Why did the Missouri band steal that moment from me?
If it truly is tradition, and there truly were fans left for the band to play for, and there was truly a miscommunication of the intent and the "usual," then I humbly understand.
I must say, however, most football fans today know and respect each others' traditions. Navy-Notre Dame is not a pretty site, regardless of the outcome, yet both teams know what it means to respect each others tradition.
Jose Diaz lives in El Paso, Texas.
Show Me the Errors 
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As a graduate of the Naval Academy who understands that sometimes mistakes happen, please let me apologize on behalf of all sane Navy fans who are ashamed that someone like Mr. Diaz could go off with such a short fuse. I appreciate the effort that both Missouri's and Navy's band have gone through to shed light on the situation.
It's sad that some Navy fans feel so entitled to "respect" that this discussion has gone on for as long as it has.
Come on Jose, get over it. As someone who has followed Navy football since the 1946 Army-Navy game, I can honestly say I have seen a number of transgressions against Navy's end game tradition. This wasn't one of them. Regardless, we've learned over the years to proudly sing the "Blue and Gold" in a Halsey Typhoon if necessary. Let's just bask in the victory and thank Mizzou for a good game and its excellent sportsmanship.