Just hours before they took the field against Ireland in the Rugby World Cup on Sunday, the USA Eagles were given a psychological boost at a 9/11 memorial service in New Plymouth.
The service in St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church was attended by US dignitaries, including the US Ambassador to New Zealand David Huebner.
Hundreds of people filled the church and the nearby hall and the service was full of emotional reminders of the significance of the day and of US patriotism.
The carrying in of the US flag, the rousing rendition of The Star Spangled Banner and the US Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band’s trumpeter signalling Taps and Reveille were all moments appreciated by visiting Americans and their New Zealand hosts.
The welcome to the church for the Eagles squad drew a round of applause from the congregation.
Source
- Stuff.co.nz
- Image: Fox News.com