University of Oklahoma to Honor Military Saturday

Originally Published: Sep 14, 2010 1:24 PM CDT

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Oklahoma Sports Staff

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- The University of Oklahoma will celebrate the men and women who serve in United States military Saturday, hosting a Military Appreciation Day as the Sooners face the Air Force.

F-15 Tomcat jets will fly over Memorial Stadium just before the 2:30 p.m. kickoff, as OU head coach Bob Stoops welcomes Cadets with a video message airing on the jumbotron.

“I have great respect for these young men and all the academies and their service, their commitment, their sacrifice,” Stoops said.“You have to respect it and appreciate them.”

Stoops is also encouraging fans to sing the proper final words of the National Anthem, “Home of the Brave,” before the game Saturday. Fans traditionally say “Home of the Sooners” instead.

“Hopefully with our people being here and Air Force coming here, we’ll surely be loud in singing ‘Home of the Brave’ and nothing else,” Stoops said. “I would sure hope that would be the case. ”

As a halftime show, the Air Force Band will join forces with the Pride of Oklahoma Band to perform a song honoring those who serve. The 200-piece University Choir will also participate as they salute the military.

The Altus Air Force Base will fly C-17 over the stadium following the performance. A limited amount of tickets are currently on sale at $77 apiece. Any remaining tickets will be available for purchase at 9:30 a.m. at Gate 5.