The Minnesota Twins honored the armed forces before taking on the New York Yankees in the final game of their series Sunday afternoon.
The Twins commemorated the 70th anniversary of D-Day during the team’s 11th annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day, which honors veterans and active service members from all five branches of the U.S. Armed Force, the Twins said in a news release.
In a pregame ceremony, the Twins paid tribute to those who died in active duty, raised the American flag and WWII-era aircrafts, including for T-6 Trainers and one B-25 Bomber, did a flyover.
Twins manager Ron Gardenhire also presented a POW flag to retired ambassador Bruce Laingen. Laingen was the most senior American official held hostage during the Iran hostage crisis, serving as the head of diplomatic mission at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran.
Through the “Seats for Soldiers” program, 1,000 active and retired military members of the armed forces got the chance to attend Sunday’s game.
Here’s a look at Sunday’s events:
The Minnesota National Guard’s 34th Red Bull Infantry Division Rock Combo Band warming up to play #ArmedFor… https://t.co/CJT54DtQYU
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 6, 2014
https://twitter.com/Jyldo/status/485844108297396224
At @MinnesotaTwins_ game courtesy of @randalljoe15 for #ArmedForcesDay flyover. #USAproud pic.twitter.com/kQbiG4rKc3
— Tim Goltz (@tim_goltz) July 6, 2014
For more photos from Armed Forces Appreciation Day, click here.
