Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Alex Van’tLeven | 160409-N-LQ926-066 SEATTLE, Wash. (April 9, 2016) – U.S. Air Force Reserve Tech....... read more read more
Subscribe
SEATTLE, Wash. – Servicemembers from all branches and various commands throughout the Pacific Northwest were honored during the annual Seattle Mariners Salute to the Armed Forces Night at Safeco Field in Seattle, April 9.
The pre-game celebration kicked off as servicemembers and veterans marched onto the field to the applause of spectators in the stands.
The ceremony included an unfurling of a large flag by U.S. Marines and U.S. Coast Guardsmen, a moment of silence, a rendition of taps performed by U.S. Army Sgt. Mark R. Koeho, from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the singing of the National Anthem by Washington native U.S. Air Force Reserve Tech. Sgt. Freddie Garza.
At the beginning of the event, Seattle Mariners President and Chief Operating Officer Kevin Mather presented representatives of each branch with commemorative plaques, who received them on behalf of their respective service. Receiving the plaque on behalf of the Navy was Navy Region Northwest Chief of Staff, Capt. William A. Bulis.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity, the Mariners are a great organization. The owner is a former naval officer, Seattle is a naval town, a maritime town, so they love us and we love them,” said Bulis. “It’s a huge honor to be out here representing our service.”
Six servicemembers had the opportunity to throw a first pitch for their respective branch. Pitching for the Army National Guard was Sgt. Mathew J. Lagergren, an Elma, Washington native, and lifelong Mariners fan.
“It’s probably the biggest honor of my life. I had all my peers and my family here standing out there watching. It felt really great to be selected by my peers,” said Lagergren. “My whole life I’ve lived in the Seattle area so I’m absolutely a Mariners and Seahawks fan.”
According to Bulis, these events do more than just honor servicemembers and veterans.
“These events highlight, not only to our servicemembers who are being recognized, but to the general public, that ‘Hey we are a professional force,’ that the young people and even some of us old people that serve in the armed forces are wonderful, we’re part of the community and that we will be part of the community after we serve as well,” said Bulis.
Bulis also expressed his optimism that servicemembers will come away with a lasting impression from the event.
“I hope the junior Sailors realize that their volunteering and committing to defend our nation is recognized in this city, and any city that they might go to,” said Bulis.” They’re making a huge difference for our nation and our world.”
Once the ceremony concluded participating servicemembers were provided with a ticket and invited to attend the Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics game following the pre-game event.
The Oakland A’s won the game with a final score of 6 - 1 over the Seattle Mariners.
| Date Taken: | 04.09.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 04.10.2016 21:15 |
| Story ID: | 194955 |
| Location: | SEATTLE, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 105 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Seattle Mariners Honor Servicemembers with Salute to Armed Forces Night, by PO2 Alex Van’tLeven, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
