Lee Flames Baseball will host Military Appreciation Day on Saturday, March 23, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Lee University’s Olympic Field.
The day will center around the Flames’ double-header against Southern Polytechnic State University, with the first pitch thrown by a veteran from the community.
The invocation will be led by Oscar Kelley, a veteran of the U.S. Army and chaplain for the American Legion Post 81. “God Bless America” will be performed by Tom Wickes, U.S. Marine Corp veteran and former music minister for the First Baptist Church of Cleveland.
“This event is focused on honoring the veterans and active military members in the Cleveland community,” said Coach Mark Brew, Lee baseball coach and director of Military Appreciation Day. “These men and women serve selflessly and do not ask for recognition in return. It is our privilege to honor them in this way.”
Funds for the Veteran Memorial Park will be raised from T-shirt sales and a silent auction. Donations will also be accepted during the game.
T-shirts can be purchased for $10 from Coach Brew, Jenkins Deli, the downtown branch of the Bank of Cleveland, or the Cleveland Daily Banner.
Other highlights of the day include activities for kids such as inflatables, whiffle ball, and a radar gun speed throw. The #88 Dale Earnhardt, Jr. National Guard NASCAR and military equipment will also be on site for viewing.
Food vendors will be on location with mascots from the Chattanooga Lookouts, Chick-fil-A, and Zaxby’s.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Free food and goodie bags will also be given to the first 250 veterans or active military members in attendance.
For more information on Military Appreciation Day, please contact Brew at 614-8638 or mbrew@leeuniversity.edu.