Although the Huskers were in Washington this week, Memorial Stadium wasn't empty. Husker fans, young and, maybe not as young, gathered to celebrate their love of the team, and of those who serve in the United States Military.

"We had a pretty good time last night, and today we're gonna tour the stadium here and we're gonna watch the game later," said Soldier Scott Howard.

Howard, from Fremont, Nebraska, has been in the army for 13 months, and says he's been a huge Husker fan for much longer.

"Since birth I guess, cause I've lived in Nebraska all my life," Howard said.

Howard said he was most looking forward to seeing inside the locker rooms, but that wasn't part of the tour. But fellow soldier Kelvin Myles knew exactly what he wanted to see.

"The horseshoe and the history behind when the players come out from the stadium locker rooms, I'm really looking forward to seeing that part," said Myles.

Rhonda Howell said her husband was ecstatic to go on the tour, "It's like letting a kid loose in a chocolate factory," she said.

The Howell family came to celebrate their dad's homecoming from Iraq.

"We actually found this website while my husband was in Iraq. He's been a Husker fan since he was little, and this was his welcome home present," Howell said.

Outside the stadium, kids could explore some military equipment. And while the day was meant to honor the troops, the soldiers wanted to say thank you back.

"I'd just like to say thank you to the community for giving back to the United States Army, and it's a pleasure being here," Myles said.

The troops then gathered at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel for a Husker watch party. On Sunday, the Salute to the Troops weekend will end with a brunch. 10/11 News will have complete coverage at 5:30 and 10:00 p.m.