A simple penalty call in a college bowl game became a moving moment and a wonderful tribute to the men and women who kept this country free.
During the Celebration Bowl game between Jackson State and South Carolina State on Saturday, Jackson State's celebration after an 81-yard punt return was interrupted by a penalty call. As the cheers died down and referee Rory Barnard pressed the microphone to announce the thrilling score-scoring decision, disappointment set in.
But then referee Bernard said something and the mood of celebration returned.
“I want to salute our nation's veterans,” Bernard said before taking the salute.
Bernard then called for a penalty of “Personal Foul, Unnecessary Roughness, Returning Team, Number 11, First Down, 15 Yards from the Place of the Foul.''
Although the touchdown was lost, what was gained will go down as one of the greatest moments in sports.
The Celebration Bowl is an annual game that pits the Southwestern Athletic Conference champion against the Middle East Athletic Conference champion.
Jackson State defeated South Carolina State 28-7.
