Issac Bailey | Small gesture; big impact in Myrtle Beach

Tonight represents another opportunity for an area sports team to take a leap into the stratosphere.

That team is the Myrtle Beach High School football Seahawks, who will tussle with national power Byrnes High School at Doug Shaw Memorial stadium.

A victory against Byrnes may bring more attention to the school than another AAA state championship.

But school officials will make it a night to remember regardless of the final score because of a slightly modified pregame routine.

For the first time, the players will be standing at attention on the sidelines during the presentation of colors and the national anthem

Think about last year's Super Bowl and watching Peyton Manning and the other players paying tribute to real warriors as the nation's anthem blared in the background. It was one of the most electric moments in sports.

And given the magnitude of tonight's game, it is fitting that tradition will begin tonight for the Seahawks, in large part because of a man who said he is "somewhat ashamedly" not a military veteran.

Seahawks fan Cliff Abrams doesn't know if his months of lobbying to have the players on the field had any impact on the decision, he's just ecstatic about the change.

"My patriotism was certainly ignited when I moved here from the North, New York, seven years ago," Abrams said. "I've been stirred by so many who have served our country in this area, their stories, their sacrifices, their courage and bravery. I've found so much more visible pro-American outpourings of affection for our country while living here.

"It just became glaringly obvious over the course of time going to high school football games ... that not any of the schools have their players on the field for our national anthem," he said. "I've also heard so many comments from athletes at all levels regarding the various emotions that they feel during the pregame national anthem, ranging from overwhelming patriotic pride, love of country and hometown, that nervous jitteriness, and a certain clarity that comes from a quiet moment of introspection, all a much better educational experience for the players than sitting in a small locker room listening to a final bit of last-minute instructions."

The gesture is timely. Only days ago the United States officially ended combat operations in Iraq. That war has personally touched many Grand Strand families, from those who had to endure the rigors and stress of multiple tours of duty, those who got the most-unkind knock on the door to be told about a loved one killed, and those who are silently holding their breath every day, praying they won't get a similar visit.

It comes just a week before the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which spawned two wars. And it will be introduced in the heart of an area proud of its above-average level of military participation.

"We will be on the field for the anthem. We are proud to honor our troops and veterans," said Myrtle Beach head coach Mickey Wilson. "Great suggestion by Mr. Abrams."