By Staff Writer: Kelsie Glenn
For the past two years, I have been fortunate enough to be invited by a family friend to watch the British Armed Forces Rugby Union take on the United States Military Rugby Union during Remembrance Week near South London. This year, the match was held at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, set within a highly gated community. Sandhurst Academy was formally established in 1947 and is home to centuries of Britain’s Military History. Sandhurst has trained British Army officers for generations. The Royal Military has had rugby as a part of its culture for more than a century, valued for building teamwork and resilience. The remembrance match often falls during both the U.K.’s Remembrance Week and the week of Veterans Day, allowing spectators to honor the traditions of both countries at once. During this week, the country is decorated with red and purple poppies as a reminder of the people and animals who have sacrificed so much for their country. Despite cold rain turning the spectator grounds to mud, the atmosphere remained lively. Although our team didn’t win, both sides ended the day united in a jolly rendition of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” a song long sung as part of British rugby tradition. The day concluded with a banquet in one of the academy’s historic officer buildings, where the teams traded stories, enjoyed a hearty meal and a frosty beverage or two, and were warmly embraced by visiting loved ones. My husband and I were surprised to learn that we knew multiple members of the U.S. team from our previous assignments around the world—a great reminder of what a wonderful community we are blessed to be a part of.