Phillies, Toyota to honor nation’s heroes with a ‘Salute to Service’ celebration Saturday
WHAT: Military heroes, along with Major, the team’s service pup in-training for veterans with disabilities, will take the field for the Phillies Salute to Service presented by Toyota. The special pregame event will recognize all active members, veterans and military families for their service to the country.
The Phillies and Toyota will also highlight the important work of Military Connected, which is dedicated to improving the lives of America’s military-connected community through employer education, talent engagement and data-driven research.
Players and on-field personnel will wear army forces-inspired caps and matching camo socks. The game will also include commemorative armed forces base jewels.
The U.S. Navy Leap Frog Parachute Team will make a special jump into the ballpark!
Also taking the field will be the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Air Force Honor Guard and the national anthem will be sung by Staff Sergeant Danielle Headrick.
The Phillies and Toyota will recognize several local military heroes on-field including: World War II veteran Paul Trumbetas, who recently received a Salute to Service surprise during his 100th birthday; Mae Krier, who is an original Rosie the Riveter; veteran Charles Andy Jackson, who served in Beirut; and Vietnam War veterans William B. Storms and Corporal Tom “Buzz” Pyle. Major will accompany the veterans.
The Pledge of Allegiance will be led by Cyndee Shankin, representing Military Connected, courtesy of Toyota.
Kyle Hoffman, representing Military Connected, will be honored with a base change, courtesy of Toyota, at the end of the 3rd inning.
Phillies day-of-game employees who served in the U.S. military will be honored on the CP Rankin Rooftop.
US Army Veteran Tiffany McKeaney will sing “God Bless America” in the middle of the 7th inning.
Plus, Toyota will host nearly two dozen military members from Military Connected in their suite.
There is also an exclusive Theme Night Ticket offer (sold out), with the first 1,000 fans who purchased tickets for this event receiving a voucher for a Phillies Salute to Service bucket hat.
WHEN: Saturday, May 18, 2024 - 5:15 p.m. (before that night’s 6:05 p.m. game vs. Washington Nationals)
WHERE: Field, Citizens Bank Park