'A bigger cause': Posted on 11/12/2019 at 17:23:33 by Bill Hoover
'A bigger cause': Tigers inspired by trip to Naval Academy
https://auburntigers.com/news/2019/11/10/mens-basketball-a-bigger-cause-tigers-inspired-by-trip-to-naval-academy.aspx
Comments from Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl on the Veterans Classic:
"It was an honor to come here. We should be standing in line to come to this tournament and give our kids this kind of experience. Patriotism is not necessarily taught in American Civics like it used to be. Our kids that we coach now, thank God, haven't been at war or haven't been drafted, haven't had to register for the draft, and probably haven't had family members that have died defending our country because thank God - except for the war on terrorism - we've been in a pretty good place historically.
"So coming here and learning about the academy, seeing the cadets, watch them train, watch them study, watch them sacrifice, understanding when we lose, we're disappointed - when they lose, they can lose their lives. It has to be taught so others need to come see the Academy and honor these young men. This weekend, there doesn't need to be a veteran in this country, anywhere in this country, that picks up a check or pays for a meal or doesn't sit in a first-class seat. I'm going to keep my eyes and ears open for every veteran I see, everywhere. We should do that more often. It's a time this weekend that we honor our vets.
"Invite us back. I'll be happy to be here any time if you'll have us."
