It was a proud moment in the NFR press room.

By Ross Hecox

161206 nfr 003The Stars and Stripes are presented during the beginning of the NFR.

I have covered the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo a few times, and each time I attended a performance I set up somewhere in the Thomas & Mack Arena to take photos. For the first time I stayed in the press room during the performance, Round 8 of the NFR.

The room is a basketball gym located a long walk from the arena, and there must be about 50 people there working for various media outlets. Four television screens display live action of the NFR. During opening ceremonies, I was happy to be in the press room. That’s because I watched with pride how everyone stood and removed their hats during the invocation and remained standing during the Canadian and United States national anthems. No one moved around or said a word. One reporter quietly sang along with the Star Spangled Banner.

The media is often discussed with a negative connotation. But tonight, I was proud to be a member of the press.

Members of the media covering the NFR pause during the National Anthem.Members of the media covering the NFR pause during the National Anthem.

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