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When the Baltimore Ravens hold an open practice Saturday, August 4th at M&T Bank Stadium, they will also honor members of the armed forces in their annual Military Appreciation Day. The 5pm practice, which is free for the public, will be one of three scheduled around the Baltimore area.
The other two locations and dates will be Sunday, August 12th at Annapolis' Navy Marine Corps Stadium and Sunday, August 19th at Stevenson University's Mustang Stadium in Owings Mills.
The team will reserve 3,500 seats for members of the military and their families who show ID on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, the Ravens will be giving out Ravens patriotic t-shirts to servicemen and women and other gifts to family members.
(Click on the 'jump' to read the full official press release from the Ravens)
RAVENS MILITARY APPRECIATION DAY
The Baltimore Ravens will hold their Military Appreciation Day on Saturday, Aug. 4, coinciding with the team’s 5 p.m. open training camp practice at M&T Bank Stadium.
Approximately 3,500 special seats will be reserved for active service members and veterans who present valid military identification upon check-in at the stadium. Immediate family members of the servicemen and servicewomen are also welcome to join, with all preferred seating coming on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additionally, those who show a valid military I.D. will be given a special edition Ravens patriotic T-shirt. Immediate family members will receive a unique Ravens gift and a handheld American flag. (Gift quantities are limited.)
Though not required, members of the armed forces are encouraged to come in uniform.
This marks the Ravens’ fifth-annual Military Appreciation Day, an event head coach John Harbaugh instituted during his first season with the team in 2008. Harbaugh, who plans to address the military guests just prior to the start of the practice, has been an advocate of the U.S. Military since his Baltimore arrival.
In 2011, he was selected as one of two finalists (Titans owner Bud Adams) for the inaugural NFL Salute to Service award for exceptional efforts to honor and support the military community. This past spring, Harbaugh was presented an Outstanding Civilian Service Award by General Raymond Odierno, Chief of Staff of the Army. Harbaugh’s passion for assisting the troops was felt immediately by the Ravens in 2008 when he helped institute Military Appreciation Day.
Away from the field, Harbaugh often recruits players and coaches to join him for military base visits. He has also spent significant time and funds putting together holiday care packages for soldiers overseas, in addition to school supplies for military families.
Who: Active Military Members and Veterans and Immediate Family
What: Ravens Military Appreciation Day
Where: M&T Bank Stadium Training Camp Practice
When: Saturday Aug. 4, 2012 5 p.m. (gates open at 3:30 p.m.)
Details: Service members must enter section 113 and present valid military I.D. to obtain special gifts and preferred seating.