NFR salutes veterans

You know, 'ol Buck has worked hard at bein' funny here for the past several days.

I might not have succeeded, but I "cowboy upped" and showed some "try" if not humor.

But there's nothing to joke about today.

This is a night at the National Finals Rodeo for reflection, appreciation and thanks.

Our country was attacked 70 years ago today when Japan destroyed a good part of our Navy, and thousands of sailors and soldiers died in its sneak attack on Pearl Harbor.

It was an American nightmare that woke us up, strengthened our resolve to stay free and, thanks to those who served during World War II, we survived and thrived.

Tonight, before the sixth go-round of the NFR, some veterans of that early morning attack will step onto soil prized as the greatest dirt in rodeo. But when they're upon it they will make it more honorable and heroic.

I always hate when athletes are called heroes for their exploits on dirt, grass, wood or pavement.

They're only heroes if they jumped into a burning house to save someone.

As much as I love these rodeo athletes, they'd all be the first to say the only heroes in the Thomas & Mack Center tonight are those who survived Pearl Harbor and went on to win the Pacific for the U.S.A.

It took the attack on Sept. 11, 2001, for our country to make patriotism politically correct again and to show appreciation to veterans and their families of all eras for their sacrifices.

To say "thanks for your service," all we have to do now is make sure every American veteran who wants a job gets one.

It didn't take that terrorist attack 10 years ago on the Twin Towers to spur patriotism in rodeo. Tonight's salute and Saturday's Wrangler Patriot Night would have happen if 9/11 never did.

Rodeo has saluted the flag and cherished patriotism since the first bareback horse left a bucking chute.

Thanks to Boyd Gaming, 15,000 American flags will be given to rodeo fans tonight and you can bet that long will they wave.

Boyd brought in American heroes along with the Navy Band Southwest and the B Troop 4th U.S. Cavalry (memorial) color guard from Fort Huachuca, Ariz., to ride in and present Old Glory.

The T&M Corral has rocked the past week with thunderous ovations for 90-point rides and low times.

When our WW II vets are introduced, the T&M had better rock like a bull rider just covered for 100 points.