Mariners salute to Armed Forces Night

SEATTLE -- About a half hour before first pitch Saturday night at Safeco Field, the Mariners teamed with Boeing to honor members of the U.S. military as part of the 13th annual Boeing Salute to Armed Forces Night.

Six branches of the military were represented during a special pre-game ceremony that paid tribute to members of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force Reserve, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard and Washington National Guard. Members from each simultaneously threw out the First Pitch and all on hand were given a standing ovation before the sixth inning. Before the game, high-ranking officers from each branch were awarded commemorative plaques and Ryan Nabors from Disabled American Veterans delivered the lineup card. Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon took time to shake everyone's hand.

As part of the pre-game festivities, Specialist Raymond Deleon of the U.S. Army played Taps and the National Anthem was performed by the I Corps Army Band from Joint Base Lewis-McChord. God Bless America was performed during the seventh inning stretch. Outside of Safeco's gates representatives from V.F.W Post 2995 collected donations to support troops serving overseas. Meanwhile, the first 15,000 fans in attendance received a commemorative coin.