The atmosphere was electric at Lincoln Financial Field before Sunday’s game between NFC East rivals Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders. The pre-game festivities united both fanbases in appreciation of a spectacular national anthem performance.
The ceremony featured Broadway star Mary Kate Morrissey, known for her role as Elphaba in “Wicked,” delivering a stirring rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” What made the performance truly special was the carefully choreographed flight of a trained bald eagle, which soared through the stadium as Morrissey reached the anthem’s crescendo.
Stadium staff and volunteers displayed a massive American flag that covered the entire field, while overhead, four F-16s from the 177th Fighter Wing thundered past in perfect formation. Social media lit up with praise from fans of both teams, with many commenting specifically on the majestic sight of the eagle’s flight. One viewer remarked that while they weren’t an Eagles supporter, the sight of the bald eagle soaring through the stadium brought tears to their eyes.
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The combination of Morrissey’s powerful vocals, the eagle’s flight, and the military flyover created what many described as an unforgettable patriotic display before the teams took the field.