ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Thousands chanted "USA'' and some shed tears Sunday as a military color guard and a Marine horn quintet took the field before the defending World Series champion Anaheim Angels played the Texas Rangers.

A moment of silence was observed for those killed in the war in Iraq, and four F-14 Tomcat fighter jets flew over overhead.

The quintet from the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, which has suffered casualties in the war in Iraq, received a standing ovation and cheers before performing the national anthem.

Patrick Garvey said he'd been waiting more than two decades for the championship flag to be unfurled on opening day at the Angels stadium. But he said the addition of the military as part of the ceremony gave opening day more meaning.

"They are doing that (fighting in Iraq) so we can do this,'' the 30-year-old from Upland said.

Army Sgt. Raul Carmona, a color guard, said it was overwhelming.

"Each event we do has a lot of meaning for each one of us, but this was amazing. It makes you feel as if you have goosebumps,'' the 30-year-old Los Angeles resident said.

"The past couple of weeks, all I've seen are anti-war protesters. To see this makes it all worthwhile,'' added Army Spc. William Tarrant, 22, Canoga of Park.

Thom Mulichak, 41, of Huntington Beach, and his 37-year-old wife, Hydee, sat several rows behind the Angels dugout with homemade signs with drawings of the players. The graphic artist said he promised to make the drawings last year if the Angels made it to the World Series.

Now, he said he'll take them to every game this year.

Meanwhile, Chad Gallegos of Corona, was settling into one of the top most infield seats with a ticket he bought online at e-Bay. But the 27-year-old said it didn't matter where he sat as long as he was there opening day. "You gotta be here on Opening Day. You have to support your team.''

True fans arrived hours before the game began. They came wearing red shirts and carrying rally monkeys. Nearly all came with one dream: To see the Angels start to travel the road toward a repeat of their championship.

"They have the same players with the same attitudes. Of course they can do it,'' said Garrett King of Rancho Santa Margarita. King and his wife were among the first in line to get into Edison Field.

Among baseball paraphernalia King brought with him was a license plate "ANGLS R 1'' that hung from his neck. The 31-year-old King also carried a mitt and baseballs to get autographed.

King said he showed up early because the year before he was second in line behind a Cleveland Indians fan. "I couldn't let the other team's fans in here first. It wouldn't be right,'' he said.

King said he was most excited to witness the unfurling of the championship banner during the pre-game ceremony. ``I've been waiting my whole life to see the banner unfolded here,'' he said.

Kevin Willis, 25, of Corona arrived at the ballpark with a red painted face and his hair dyed red. Shirtless, he had the Angels halo logo on his back and a tribute to Gene Autry on his shoulder.

His chest read: "Yes we did! 2002 Champs!''

"I'm just a loyal fan,'' he said. "I've been sticking with them through the ups and downs.''

His companion Meghann Martinez, 18, said she was not embarrassed by Willis' display. "I've been with him before to a game. That's what he does,'' she said.