WASHINGTON, D.C. — There is no better way to celebrate Memorial Day, than to honor the proud men and women who serve our country. And that's exactly what Notre Dame Head Coach Charlie Weis did.

Weis spent last week in the Middle East, and was joined by four other coaches, as they traveled to various military bases to support the troops. Weis met with soldiers and coached flag football teams made up of servicemen and women.

"We went over there to help motivate the morale of the troops --but I think we came home probably more inspired than even they were," Weis said. " I mean, it was just an unbelievable experience to watch the enthusiasm and the pride and the teamwork over there."

The coaches ended their journey on Memorial Day at the White House, where they met with the president, and spoke to the media about their trip.

"When [the troops] heard that we were coming to the White House on Monday almost everyone said, 'Could you just pass on one message to the president,' and asked us to thank him for him supporting them," said Weis. "I mean, think about it -- they're there for four months, six months, a year -- it was just unbelievable seeing guys and girls that had gotten injured in battle; and their framework, their psyche; it was just an unbelievable experience."