The Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting approximately 350 active duty service members of the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard, veterans and their families on Monday for special Veterans Day event at Dodger Stadium.
Top prospect Gavin Lux and broadcaster Joe Davis will hold a Q&A session and visit with military members during the program, and the day will also include batting practice, behind-the-scenes tours of Chavez Ravine, photograph and autograph opportunities, and lunch in the Lexus Dugout Club.
The Dodgers recognize a Military Hero of the Game at every home game during the regular season, and host an annual Military Appreciation Night. The honoree not only is taken onto the field but also receives well wishes from the dugout.
Without hesitation, Justin Turner greets every recognized Military Hero and presents them with an autographed item. The Justin Turner Foundation additionally provides for veterans, and last year it included helping open the first female veterans home at the Dream Center.
Then on what was proclaimed Justin Turner Day throughout Los Angeles, the third baseman went from a special ceremony at City Hall to Dodger Stadium to participate in a special enlistment ceremony. “It’s been a pretty special day,” Turner said in January.
“Starting off at City Hall, the council members there declaring it Justin Turner Day, and then coming over here to help swear in these young men and women who are making a commitment to fight for our freedom and defend our country. I’m honored to be a part of it.
“I was pretty nervous. I’ve never served. I didn’t have the commitment or courage to do that, so for me to be a person speaking on their enlistment day, I don’t know if it was necessarily right but I just wanted to make sure I thanked them for the first step that they’re taking into defending our country.
“Tell them we love them, support them, to be safe and we’re always thinking about them. We owe everything to them for what we have. I wanted to wish them the best of luck on their journey.”
More information on the Dodgers’ military programs and ticket promotions, can be found here.
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