Phillies & Toyota to Honor Nation’s Heroes with a ‘Salute to Service’ Celebration on Saturday, May 23, at Citizens Bank Park
On Saturday, May 23, military heroes will take the field as part of the Phillies Salute to Service presented by Toyota, held prior to that afternoon’s 4:05 p.m. game against the Cleveland Guardians at Citizens Bank Park. The on-field tribute will begin at 3:30 p.m. with a special ceremony recognizing active-duty service members, veterans and their families for their service to the country.
Throughout the game, the Phillies and Toyota will also highlight the important work of the Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC), whose mission is to provide programs, services and opportunities that support the advancement of U.S military veterans and their families.
“Toyota and the Tri-State Toyota Dealers are honored to once again stand alongside the Phillies to ‘salute’ the brave men and women who serve and protect our country,” said Paul Muller, President of the Tri-State Toyota Dealers Association.
“We’re honored to recognize veterans like Holly Beckes, whose service as a U.S. Air Force pararescue medic and continued dedication to supporting fellow veterans truly embody the spirit of this event,” continued Muller. “Her story is a powerful example of resilience and commitment, and we’re proud to celebrate her alongside the Phillies and the Veterans Multi-Service Center. Through initiatives like Salute to Service, the Tri-State Toyota Dealers remains deeply committed to uplifting those who have served and supporting the programs that help veterans and their families thrive.”
“Thank you to the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom,” said Phillies Chief Revenue Officer Jackie Cuddeback. “On Saturday, we invite our fans to join us for this special Salute to Service as we partner with Toyota to honor the many local heroes who have served – and continue to serve – our country and community.”
LINEUP FOR PHILLIES SALUTE TO SERVICE PRESENTED BY TOYOTA
Opening ceremonies will feature a flyover by The Search and Rescue Pilots and Aircrew of Air Station Atlantic City flying in MH-65 Dolphin Helicopters.
Active-duty service members and veterans representing each branch of service will be recognized on-field, including:
Air Force: Gabriel Luciano-Caban (active) and USAF MSgt Christina Jimenez (veteran)
Army: Patrick Harris (active) and Erica Liermann (veteran)
Coast Guard: Seaman Christopher Dodge (active) and Retired Master Chief George Williamson (veteran)
Marines: Luke Salgado (active) and Todd Kerkering (veteran), joined by his son, pitcher Orion Kerkering
Navy: Chief Petty Officer Mike Alexander (active) and Dave Schill (veteran)
Space Force: Chief Luis Soto (active)
S. Air Force veteran and pararescue medic Holley Beckes will throw the ceremonial first pitch. Beckes is a volunteer with the Veterans Multi-Service Center and was recently surprised with the honor by Toyota and the Phillies. Toyota will also host Beckes and nearly two dozen VMC-affiliated service members in their suite for the game.
Phillies day-of-game employees who have served in the military will be recognized on the PJ Fitzpatrick Rooftop.
Additional on-field highlights include a Joint All-Service Honor Guard and a performance of the national anthem by the United States Army Field Band Federal Brass. Fans will also be invited to join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Pennsylvania Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Kevin Herzberger.
Adding to the tribute will be the recognition of Master Sgt Sterling Randolph, who will take the field to be honored as a Toyota Hometown Hero at the end of the 3rd
Capping off the salute will be a special performance of “God Bless America” by the United States Army Brass Quintet in the middle of the 7th
More highlights include an exclusive Theme Night Ticket offer, with the first 2,000 fans who purchase tickets for this event receiving a voucher for a Phillies Salute to Service bucket hat.
ABOUT TRI-STATE TOYOTA DEALERS ASSOCIATION
The Tri-State Toyota Dealers Association (TDA) is comprised of 25 Toyota Dealers in the Greater Philadelphia market dedicated to providing customers in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Northwestern Delaware and Southern New Jersey communities with Toyota vehicle sales and service.
ABOUT TOYOTA
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 50 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.