Seattle Mariners salute troops

Photo by Photo by MC3 Charles Whetstine

Major League Base Ball Player Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki joins military veterans in saluting the flag for the National Anthem during the 6th annual “Salute to the Armed Forces Night” at Safeco Field in Seattle. The event, hosted by the Seattle Mariners and the Boeing Company, paid tribute to the men and women serving or who have served in the armed forces during the Mariner’s second game of the season, against the Texas Rangers.

By MC2 Henry Vorderbruggen
Fleet Public Affairs Det. NW

Friday, April 4, 2008

The Seattle Mariners hosted its sixth annual Salute to Armed Forces Night April 1 at Safeco Field.
Active-duty members of every branch of the military and veterans were honored during a special pre-game ceremony that
included first pitches by regional service members of the year and a performance of the National Anthem by Navy Band Northwest.
“It’s exciting to be brought on the field like that,” said Personnel Specialist (SW/AW) 1st Class Michael Hernandez,
USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Sailor of the Year. “It’s one thing to be recognized by my peers in the Navy but to hear my name be
announced over the loudspeaker and see thousands of screaming fans applaud my efforts, it’s really a special honor. I don’t think
I’ll ever forget it.”
Boeing, who sponsored the festivities, presented fans a special commemorative military coin at the gate in honor of the event. The
Mariners also extended military attendees and their families discounts on everything from tickets to merchandise. Military members
in the stands were repeatedly shown on the stadium screens and applauded by the audience.
“The fans were really great tonight,” said Hernandez. “I don’t know how many handshakes or pats on the back I got from people coming
up to me, thanking me for my service. Sometimes it’s easy to lose perspective in our day-in, day-out duties just how important our jobs
are, but events like these make it all worthwhile.”
For nine innings, Seattle fans and military members braved the nighttime cold, thinking as though the home team would improve their
undefeated record and prevail in just their second game of the season, but a shocking two-run homer by Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton
brought the Rangers back from the dead and left the Mariners short of victory.
The disquieted crowd found something to cheer for when the announcer reminded everyone what the night had been in honor of, showing
pictures of servicepersons on the stadium screens and playing patriotic music.
“Everyone went nuts,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class (AW/SW) Chad Hutchens, John C. Stennis attendee and pre-game participant.
“It was like they forgot the score for a minute. No one was happy that the Mariners lost the game, but that didn’t stop anyone from cheering us on.
I’m sure everyone would have been happier if the Mariners would have won, but by the end of it all, I think most people would still consider
the night a success.”