Thursday, May 21, 2009

Nats & O's To Visit Walter Reed


There is one moment in every single baseball game that has ever been played at Nationals Park when everyone in attendance on South Capitol Street is cheering for the same team. Those members of The United States Military Forces rehabbing at Walter Reed Medical Center. The "Welcome Home" appreciation in the 3rd inning of each game is a telling reminder that baseball is in many respects a diversion and there are far more important matters to understand. Unquestionably, when Our Servicemen and Women are recognized--the very sight of both teams clapping in appreciation--as well as fans--always brings a chill down our spines. It's always important to remember those serving Our Country allowing all of us to live a healthy and free lifestyle.

Tomorrow, May 22nd, when The Baltimore Orioles begin their three game set at Nationals Park, both Our Washington Nationals and The Orioles will send players and staff directly to Walter Reed beforehand to visit those many servicemen and woman recuperating at The DC Medical Facility. A worthy effort that needs to be be mentioned.

Very Thoughtful.

Here is the complete Press Release from Our Washington Nationals.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS VISIT WALTER REED ARMY MEDICAL CENTER ON FRIDAY, MAY 22

Nationals and Orioles Players Visit Military Hospital Before Battle of the Beltways Begins

The Washington Nationals will visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center on Friday, May 22, along with members of the Baltimore Orioles, before the start of the 2009 Battle of the Beltways series. This is the Nationals first visit to Walter Reed this season, though they have hosted many of the wounded soldiers at the ballpark this year. Nationals players and coaches, including Austin Kearns and Marquis Grissom, along with members of the Nationals radio & television broadcast teams will meet with the soldiers, sign autographs and pose for pictures. The team will distribute hats, game programs and t-shirts during the appearance. They will also donate complimentary Lexus Presidents Club tickets to soldiers at the hospital for Friday evening’s game vs. the Orioles. The guests will also be invited onto the field to watch batting practice. The appearance is not open to the media.

“The Washington Nationals appreciation the dedication to our country our military heroes have demonstrated,” said Chartese Burnett, Nationals Vice President of Communications & Community Relations. “It is important that we recognize and honor them and their commitment at Nationals Park.”

The Nationals military program is a season-long initiative that includes ticket donations, hospital visits, dedicated military nights and a standing discount for active members of the military. The Nationals donate Lexus Presidents Club tickets for each home game to members of the military and their families through Walter Reed and Naval National Medical Center. The tickets include complimentary food and beverages for the duration of the game. The soldiers are honored on the scoreboard in the “Salute Your Troops” feature that runs during an inning break. Military theme nights are hosted throughout the season, with four remaining in 2009: Friday, May 22 vs. the Orioles, Thursday, June 11 vs. the Cincinnati Reds, Sunday, August 9 vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks and Friday, September 25 vs. the Atlanta Braves. Discounted tickets are available for these games through nationals.com/military or participating ITT offices throughout the National Capitol Region. These games feature military participation in pregame ceremonies, including color guards and anthem singers. Additionally, the Nationals offer a standing military discount of $3 off any ticket priced at $10 or more for all Monday through Thursday non-premium, non-holiday games at the Nationals Park Box Office.

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