Dragons to Honor Local Servicemen and Women on Saturday During American Celebration Night

DAYTON, Ohio -- As part of the season-long Hometown Heroes Program, the Dayton Dragons will celebrate our local military community during American Celebration Night on Saturday, August 24, at 7:05 pm when the Dragons take on the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. This special evening will honor all those who defend our freedoms both locally and abroad.

Throughout the 2024 season, the Dragons have partnered with the Dayton Development Coalition, HII Mission Technologies, Synergy Building Systems, and Reynolds & Reynolds to shine the spotlight on the military through the Hometown Heroes Program. This amazing program hosts military families at every Dragons game, recognizes outstanding military organizations and individuals, and welcomes the newest members of the armed forces during special ceremonies.

American Celebration Night will commence on the plaza before Saturday’s game, where fans can check out various military-related booths and military vehicles. Plaza displays will include representation from numerous branches of service and provide an opportunity for fans to learn from and interact with those currently serving.

Inside the ballpark, Colonel Dustin C. Richards and Brigadier General Jason E. Bartolomei will throw out ceremonial first pitches. The national anthem will be performed by Technical Sergeant Ainsley DeWitt and signed by Master Sergeant Michelle Lee. Colors will be presented by the Honor Guard from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

American Celebration Night will also connect baseball to the local military community alongside the Kroger Baseball Buddies Program. This year’s Kroger Baseball Buddies will include children of Springfield Air National Guard families. Buddies will take the field with Dragons players as the starting lineup is announced.

In-game activities on American Celebration Night include an official recruit swear-in for the United States Air Force, Army, and Navy, a special video greeting card recorded by a deployed airman, a demonstration by the Northmont High School NJROTC, the performing of God Bless America by Technical Sergeant Ainsley DeWitt, an “Armed Services Song” inning-break, and a video recap of the Hometown Heroes Program.

The Hometown Heroes Program is made possible by the Dayton Development Coalition, HII Mission Technologies, Synergy Building Systems, and Reynolds & Reynolds. To learn more, visit www.daytondragons.com/hometownheroes.