In a heartwarming display of patriotism, a referee at the recent Celebration Bowl took a brief break from his usual duties to salute military veterans attending the game. Referee Rory Bernard’s gesture during the December 14, 2024, matchup between Jackson State and South Carolina not only captured the spirit of the season but also reminded us all of the importance of honoring those who have served in the U.S. military.
As the game progressed, with Jackson State leading 7-0 thanks to an impressive 81-yard punt return touchdown by Travis Terrell Jr., Bernard paused before announcing a penalty. In a surprising but deeply respectful moment, he addressed the crowd. “I’d like to salute our military veterans,” Bernard said, raising his arm in a perfectly executed salute. The crowd responded with applause, a gesture of recognition for those who’ve sacrificed so much for the freedom we enjoy.
Following the heartfelt tribute, Bernard swiftly got back to the game, calling an unnecessary roughness penalty against Jackson State, which unfortunately negated Terrell’s touchdown. “Personal foul, unnecessary roughness, return team, number 11, the fifteen-yard penalty will be enforced from the spot of the foul, first down,” Bernard announced, keeping the game on track after his patriotic pause.
The salute has since gone viral on social media, with countless viewers praising the referee’s gesture. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented, “📣🇺🇸🏈 During the Celebration Bowl today, referee Rory Bernard paused before announcing a penalty to honor military veterans. Thank you, referee Rory Bernard!!! 🫡” Another commenter, clearly moved by the tribute, said, “The salute was squared away. Arm wasn’t sagging, went to the position of attention, after the salute, his arm swiftly returned to the position of attention. I salute all my fellow vets!”
Many others echoed similar sentiments, praising Bernard’s precision and discipline in his salute. “He clearly served, that salute was ON POINT! The stance, the hand, the discipline—he’s a veteran, and a damn proud one!” one person wrote, adding that Bernard’s military background was evident in his flawless execution.
But beyond the admiration for the salute itself, this moment resonated with Americans who have grown weary of the politicization of sports. “That was a great gesture! The smallest things can make a difference in the lives of so many that may be struggling during this time,” said one user. Others saw the tribute as a sign of a larger cultural shift. “Right on. America is back. No more taking a knee, no more apologizing,” a commenter wrote, seeing this act of respect for veterans as a refreshing contrast to the divisive and anti-American antics that have plagued sports in recent years.
This moment serves as a timely reminder that, despite the rising tide of political correctness and “woke” culture, there are still those who hold fast to traditional values like respect for the military and patriotism. In a time when major sports leagues, like the NBA, continue to struggle with declining viewership—partly due to their embrace of controversial, left-wing politics—Bernard’s salute reminds us that there are still moments in sports that unify and inspire.
As conservative sports outlets, like Outkick, continue to highlight the NBA’s struggles due to their focus on woke agendas, it’s clear that many fans are yearning for a return to the values that make America great. Moments like Bernard’s salute give us hope that patriotism, respect, and love for country will always have a place, even in the world of sports.
