Sailors and Marines Participate in the 2012 Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Karolina A. Martinez, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West San Diego

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 50,000 college football fans watched members of the U.S. Navy and Marines perform during the Pre-Game Spectacular at the 2012 Bridgepoint Education Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Dec. 27.

The pre-game performance featured members of the "Leap Frogs" U.S. Navy parachute demonstration team, a flag presentation and color guard from Marines assigned to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) Honor Guard, and the national anthem sung by Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Marqueta Rodgers, assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4).

Lance Cpl. Michael Trujillo, assigned to the MCRD Honor Guard, was proud to perform for the game's attendees.

"I am very excited to be out here representing our military and our country," he said.

The "Leap Frogs" commenced the show, as they maneuvered from the air into the stadium. Fans stood from their seats and looked into the night sky with anticipation, seeking the blue and gold canopies with the embroidered words 'NAVY', 'SEAL', and 'EOD'. Each of the Leap Frogs landed precisely into the stadium, ending with the last Leap Frog flying a U.S. flag beneath him.

Following the Leap Frog demonstration, the MCRD Honor Guard marched onto the field carrying a 50-yard flag and unfurled it to cover the whole field. While the flag was displayed, Rodgers began to sing the National Anthem. As sung the last few lines, fireworks brought the performance to a conclusion.

"It feels good to be out here in front of a crowd," said Rodgers. "I sing the national anthem a lot and it makes me proud each and every time I sing it."

At the halftime show, there was a performance produced by WorldStrides Heritage Performance Programs honoring firefighters, emergency medical technicians, police officers and members of the armed forces. Members of a high school marching band performed on the field spelling out the word 'HERO' as they played.

The game ended with the Baylor Bears coming out on top 49-26 against the UCLA Bruins, bringing the celebration to an end and bringing a close to a memorable day for many Sailors and Marines.