Washington Nationals Patriotic Series & Military Branch Days return for 2014

The Washington Nationals will mark the return of the Patriotic Series Presented by SAIC when the team hosts Armed Forces Day on Saturday, May 17. To pay tribute to the men and women who serve in the U.S. armed forces, the Nationals will offer complimentary tickets to military service members (active duty, dependent, reservist or retiree) for Saturday's game. Service members may claim up to two complimentary tickets for each military ID and purchase additional tickets at a discounted rate. The Nationals also announced that the team will once again host Military Branch Days, a special series of games that will pay tribute to each of the five branches of our nation's military throughout the season.

2014 PATRIOTIC SERIES PRESENTED BY SAIC

The Nationals will incorporate a variety of gameday elements during each game of the Patriotic Series to encourage fans to celebrate the American spirit while enjoying the national pastime at Nationals Park. Representatives from our nation's military will also take part in the pregame ceremonies.

Dates that will comprise the 2014 Patriotic Series include:

• Armed Forces Day - Saturday, May 17 vs. New York Mets
• Memorial Day - Monday, May 26 vs. Miami Marlins
• Independence Day - Friday, July 4 vs. Chicago Cubs
• Heroes Day - Wednesday, September 10 vs. Atlanta Braves

As part of Saturday's Armed Forces Day, complimentary and discounted military tickets will be available to service members at the Grand Staircase Box Office near First Base Gate beginning at 12:30 p.m. All seating is subject to availability. Complimentary and discounted military tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.

For more information or to purchase tickets for the 2014 Patriotic Series Presented by SAIC, visit nationals.com/patriotic.

2014 MILITARY BRANCH DAYS

Additionally, the Nationals will honor each of the five service branches with their own patriotic themed-game during the 2014 season. Representatives from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Air Force will participate in the pregame ceremony and special guests from each respective branch will be in attendance at each designated game.

Military branch days take place during the following games:

• U.S. Navy - Friday, May 30 vs. Texas Rangers
• U.S. Army - Wednesday, June 18 vs. Houston Astros
• U.S. Coast Guard - Wednesday, August 6 vs. New York Mets
• U.S. Marine Corps - Wednesday, August 20 vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
• U.S. Air Force - Thursday, September 25 vs. New York Mets

These games supplement the various patriotic programs already in effect at Nationals Park, including the In-Game Military Salute during every home game and the "Me and a Friend" program, which offers military children complimentary tickets for themselves and friends to enjoy each Sunday home game. Fans with a military ID can receive a $5 discount at the Nationals Park Box Office for every game. Discounted tickets for members of the military may also be purchased in advance at most Washington-area Morale, Welfare and Recreation Offices or at nationals.com/heroes.