As the country celebrates Independence Day, the Kansas City Royals are excited to have special guests and events surrounding the 7:15 p.m. game against the Cleveland Indians at Kauffman Stadium. Below are some of the planned 4th of July celebrations:
National Anthem and God Bless America: Staff Sgt. Michelle Doolittle from the U.S. Air Force of the Golden West at Travis Air Force Base in California will perform both songs.
First Pitch: Individuals from the military -- Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, National Guard and Navy -- will throw out a first pitch.
On-Field American Flag: Servicemen and women stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base will hold and present an American flag on field during the National Anthem.
Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat Honoree: Dr. Mark Martin of Lee's Summit will sit in the Buck O'Neil Legacy Seat. Dr. Martin has been on 24 consecutive Honor Flights, taking local veterans on one-day chartered flights to Washington, D.C., to tour war memorials and monuments. A volunteer physician since 2007, he has helped more than a thousand men and women with their medical issues when called upon. On the board of directors of the Kansas City Academy of Family Physicians, he participates in many of their community outreach projects as well.
Salute to Service Honoree: Col. Jim Tenpenny, a native Kansas Citian, will be the honoree in the Salute to Service Seat, presented by Miller Lite. Col. Tenpenny is a five-time combat tour veteran who began his career on active duty with the U.S. Army in 1987. He spent the first four years of his service as an infantry soldier and non-commissioned officer. Commissioned in 1995 as an aviation officer, he flew UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. During his second combat tour, he participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 4th Infantry Division, the unit that captured Saddam Hussein. The colonel's many awards include three Bronze Stars, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals and two Air Medals. He is currently serving as the Deputy Chief of Operations at the Army's Mission Command Training Program in Fort Leavenworth.
Fireworks Spectacular: Following the conclusion of the game, a special patriotic-themed fireworks spectacular will take place, courtesy of Popsicle and Price Chopper.