BEAR RIVER HIGH – By Cari Doutre – September 20, 2020
It was 7 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2020 at Bear River High School’s football field – game time.
Only instead of football players from Bear River High and Ridgeline High entering the field to compete against each other, they came out united with a purpose - to pay tribute to their country in an incredible act of patriotism that has captured the hearts of thousands proud Americans.
One by one, every member of the Bear River and Ridgeline football teams entered Bear Field carrying an American flag. Looking solemn and showing their deepest respect for the country, they weren’t alone out there.
A group of dignified individuals from Box Elder County joined them on the field – local American veterans that have all sacrificed and served their country with honor.
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As the crowd of spectators filled the stadium at Bear River High School’s football field in Garland that evening, they watched as the two schools and communities honored local veterans in a solemn and great act of patriotism on this historic date for the country.
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence Sept. 11, ended up being our game day. We needed togetherness. We needed community. We needed country. We needed each other,” said Nikki Wise.
Nikki Wise organized the Bears’ pre-game patriotic program, and along with plenty of volunteers, they were able to provide this memorable experience for students and the community.
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But it wasn’t something that was planned at the last minute. In fact, it took hours of planning, organizing and many, many volunteers to make it possible. And it all happened on a special night for the Bears - it was Bear River High’s 2020 homecoming football game.
Contributing to the program that night was the popular country music band Rough Stock. They provided live music before the game and patriotic music during the program.
“Let me just say that I am a total red, white and blue ‘Old Glory,’ all American buff. I served in the U.S. Army for seven years and keeping America free is written in the fabric of my soul,” said Harry Sherman from the band Rough Stock.
“When I was asked by Nikki Wise to participate in Bear River High School’s homecoming game that would be held on the most commensurable date of Sept. 11, I could not have said no. I’d have to say that all six members of my band Rough Stock are also people who love our country so we try to incorporate a couple of patriotic songs into our repertoire each time we perform. Needless to say, all that Bear River High School did that evening totally fit our narrative as a band and we are totally elated to be a part of it all,” Sherman added.
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“I think we pulled off something memorable,” Wise said thanking the many, many hardworking individuals that helped bring the program to the community.
Watch Bear River High’s pre-game patriotic program from Sept. 11, 2020, below provided by Bear River Live and sponsored by The Valley Headliner – BRVNEWS.com
Photo coverage provided by Chad Hurst.