So for an [early] graduation present, ~sunshine81795 took me to the Bruins game last night against the Sabres.

It was very surreal, to say the least.

At the beginning, there was a moment of silence to honor those affected by Monday's tragedy, and then they showed a tribute video overlaid with the song "Home" by Phillip Phillips of how courageously the city responded. Amidst cheering for the images of the brave men and women who stayed strong on Monday and ones showing further support for Boston, I definitely cried. I was not personally affected by what happened, but being in a stadium with thousands of people, many of whom were affected in some way, was very emotional.

And then when everybody there sang the national anthem, it was absolutely chilling. Even re-watching the video of it online ([link] gives me goosebumps.

During the game, when the camera would pan the crowd, cheers would rise up wholeheartedly when shots of military members, policemen, firemen, and any other responders were shown, and also when people wearing shirts or holding signs in support for Boston with messages such as "Boston Strong" or "We are Boston" were displayed.

And amidst the "Lets go Bruins" chants, there were quite a few start-up of "U-S-A" and "We are Boston" chants throughout the game, which was just amazing and I was always sad when they died off or got uncoordinated.

At the close of the game, members from both teams got together at center ice and saluted the crowd with their sticks, an act actually coordinated by a member of the Sabres team, which was very classy and a great gesture!

As has been stated a lot, it was more than just a hockey game, and it really felt that way. It meant so much more, and the fact that the Bruins dropped the contest in the shootout was of no consequence to that fact.

PS - THANK YOU ~sunshine81795 again for taking me! It was amazing