Memorable Moment at NCAA Lacrosse Championship
Josh Yago, a player for Notre Dame, created a standout moment on Memorial Day ahead of the NCAA Division I Men’s Lacrosse Championship. Before the match against Princeton in Charlottesville, he, a graduate transfer from the Air Force and a second lieutenant in the U.S. Space Force, offered a salute during the national anthem.
This was one of those great moments that stick with you.
Yago’s video on social media quickly gained traction, racking up hundreds of thousands of views. SportsCenter even shared a clip showing him on the sideline, helmetless and dressed in full Fighting Irish gear, raising his right hand as “The Star-Spangled Banner” played. On any day, this would be a warm gesture, but on Memorial Day, it felt especially fitting.
What’s notable about Yago is that he’s not just your average college athlete caught on camera. He spent four years at Air Force, becoming one of the standout players, and then transferred to Notre Dame for his final college season. He’s also preparing to serve his country further after his lacrosse career wraps up.
So, that moment during the anthem held a certain weight. Here was a former military athlete, adorned with an American flag patch on his jersey, standing tall before competing in the national championships on a day dedicated to remembrance.
And honestly, that’s what many fans appreciate in sports.
In recent times, there’s been a lot of chatter around athletes, the national anthem, and themes of patriotism, much of which feels overly politicized. Some athletes seem to relish the attention during the anthem, but not Yago. His intent was simply to pay tribute to his country, and he executed it beautifully.
It’s a bit disheartening that showing respect during the anthem now garners headlines; respect was once expected. Yet, it seems there are fewer instances of courtesy lately.
Before the championship, one of Yago’s Air Force leaders advised him to “play for the military” over the Memorial Day weekend. Yago emphasized his desire to represent his fellow service members in the Air Force, Space Force, and the military as a whole.
He stood before a pivotal game, embodying that spirit of patriotism, which resonated widely online.
Ultimately, Notre Dame lost to Princeton, 16-9, with the Tigers clinching their first national championship since 2001. Nevertheless, Yago’s salute remains one of the most unforgettable images from the day, encapsulating the essence of respect on Memorial Day, especially from someone in the Space Force.
