Armed Forces Weekend Kicks off in Somerset
Armed forces weekend has kicked off in Somerset as the Patriots play host to the Reading Fightin’ Phils beginning tonight at 6:30 p.m.
The Patriots will wear camouflage jersey’s and hats during Saturday’s game.
According to a Somerset Patriots Press Release: “For Saturday’s 6:35 p.m. game, active military members and veterans will receive a $2.00 discount on tickets in-person at the box office only. Coaches and players will be wearing special themed hats for both games in honor of the men and women who serve our country.
The game includes a post-game fireworks show presented by Horizon Pest Services.”
On Sunday, the Patriots will recognize military veterans from all wars with the franchise’s 19th Annual Veterans of America Day. The event is also part of Minor League Baseball’s Armed Forces Weekend recognition. Gates will open at 11:30 a.m. and the ceremony begins at 12 noon with a stirring ceremony that will include a military fly over, color guard, and a reinactment of the raising of the US flag at Iwo Jima
Captain David I. Drummond will be the special honoree. Captain Drummond is a Vietnam Veteran who had his B52 bomber shot down in December of 1972 and was a POW held at Hanoi Hilton and Zoo Prison. He is the recipient of the Bronze Star, two Distinguished Flying Cross Medals, two Purple Hearts, four Air Medals, POW Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, the RVN Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, and the National Defense Service Medal.
To listen to exclusive interviews about the lead-up to the ceremony click this link: