Before Notre Dame competed in the NCAA Division I men’s lacrosse championship, Josh Yago provided an unforgettable moment. Yago, a graduate transfer from Air Force and a second lieutenant in the U.S. Space Force, stood at attention and saluted during the national anthem. His gesture, prior to the Memorial Day match against Princeton in Charlottesville, went viral across social media.
Videos showed Yago in full Fighting Irish gear, helmet off, saluting during “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Hundreds of thousands of viewers watched as SportsCenter shared the video, highlighting Yago’s salute and the emotion of the moment.
Yago, not just a college athlete, spent his early career at Air Force, where he became a standout player, graduated, and then transferred to Notre Dame. He plans to keep serving the nation after his lacrosse chapter closes. On Memorial Day, Yago’s salute symbolized his pledge, resonating with those valuing tradition and respect.
“Play for those service members,” a mentor from Air Force told Yago before the championship. Yago expressed his intent to represent his fellow servicemen across Air Force, Space Force, and the wider military.
Notre Dame lost to Princeton, 16-9, with Princeton capturing their first national title since 2001. Despite this outcome, Yago’s salute left a lasting impression on lacrosse fans and reinforced patriotism’s significance in sports.
In recent years, discussions about athletes, the anthem, and patriotism have become contentious. While some athletes focus on personal narratives during the anthem, Yago simply paid tribute to his country. His sincere gesture during Memorial Day stood out as a meaningful expression, representing military values and respect witnessed by many.
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