NORFOLK, VA –
In honor of U.S. Service members, the Norfolk Tides hosted their 19th Annual Armed Forces Night, May 17, as they took on the Charlotte Knights at Harbor Park in Norfolk, Virginia.
The Tides paid tribute to U.S. Armed Forces personnel by taking the field sporting blue camouflage uniforms and various service-specific baseball hats.
The joint service color guard from Fort Eustis, Virginia presented the colors during the national anthem, played by the U.S. Fleet Forces Band from Norfolk.
A moment of silence was also observed prior to the start of the game in honor of fallen U.S. military members, as well as those currently deployed across the world.
A group of men and women in the Delayed Entry Program took the oath of enlistment with U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Dixon Smith, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic commander, administering the oath.
Six "superior performers" from each branch of the military were on-hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch of the game.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Tyler Allan, 1st Maintenance Squadron low observable section chief, and 1st Fighter Wing noncommissioned officer of the year, represented the Air Force.
"I am truly honored to have been selected to represent the Air Force at the Norfolk Tides Armed Forces Night," said Allen. "To stand beside the other services not only throw out the first pitch, but to be recognized by our local community was something I will never forget."
U.S. Army Sgt. Seongbok Park, 7th Sustainment Brigade, 11th Transportation Battalion cargo specialist, who represented the Army, echoed Allan's thoughts.
"It was an honor to represent the U.S. Army at [the] game," said Park. "This has given me a great memory to take with me as I move to South Korea."
Fans were also able to view displays from the different services throughout the stadium.
After the Tides defeated the Charlotte Knights 7-6 in 13 innings, fans were treated to a fireworks display giving one last salute to the men and women of the armed forces.