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Tonight was the opening ceremony, which was truly special.
After getting dressed in our red blazers, we met the GB&I team at the famous Swilken bridge on the 18th hole for our formal team pictures. We then made our way to the clubhouse to await the parachuters, who sailed in bringing the USA, Great Britain and Ireland flags. There was also a troop of bagpipers marching up the fairway. And then it was our turn.
There was a huge crowd assembled to watch the procession and ceremony and although the majority were for the GB&I team, it was great to hear the USA cheers and see our smiling supporters waving US flags as we walked past the crowd. We filed in to our seats and then after speeches by the USGA & LGU, our captain, Carol Semple Thompson, raised the Stars & Stripes as a childrens' choir sang the national anthem. It is such an amazing feeling to see the United States flag being raised, knowing that we are representing the United States of America.
Carol then announced us, and after the team giggled at me for doing a pageant wave when I was announced, all of the other girls followed suit. At the end of the ceremony the first-round matches were announced and we are ready!! GO USA!!
Amanda Blumenherst, USA Team
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