South Bend Cubs present annual Military Appreciation Week

With Memorial Day quickly approaching, the South Bend Cubs have once again partnered with Express Employment Professionals to present Military Appreciation Days at Four Winds Field on Sunday, May 26 and Monday, May 27.

This two-day event features a "Military Appreciation Fair" on May 26, where many of the area's top military and veterans service organizations will have information and displays throughout the stadium. Then on Memorial Day, a special Wreath Laying Ceremony will take place inside the stadium and survivors of service members who lost their lives in service will be recognized.
"This is a weekend I have circled on my calendar as we begin every season of South Bend Cubs baseball," South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart said. "Express Employment Professionals is and has always been an excellent partner to make our Military Appreciation days special."
Like previous years, the South Bend Cubs will offer two free tickets to all veterans and active duty military personnel. Those wishing to claim their tickets must visit the South Bend Cubs Box Office and show their military ID. Those wishing to claim their free tickets are encouraged to do so as early as possible as the seating bowl tickets go quickly.
Events on Military Appreciation Days include…
Military Appreciation Fair: May 26 from 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Over 25 area military-support and veteran service organizations will have tables filled with experts and information that will bring awareness of military related concerns, circumstances, and issues to the general public. There will also be military vehicles and equipment on display to enhance the visitor experience including Blastcamp, a portable paintball shooting booth.
Vietnam Veterans Appreciation: May 26 from 6:30pm - 6:45pm
The Sunday pre-game activities will honor Vietnam war veterans with a special flyover and center-field landing of a fully restored UH-1 "Huey" Bell Helicopter from American Huey 369 based out of Peru Indiana! The Huey was the workhorse of the Vietnam War and is one of the most recognizable aircraft in all of modern warfare.
Fireworks Spectacular:May 26 following the game
A special military themed fireworks show will follow the game on Sunday, May 26.
Wreath Laying Ceremony:May 27 from 1:00pm - 1:20pm
Monday's events begin with a formal wreath-laying ceremony that honors fallen heroes and their survivors. Area dignitaries will join the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association and Miller's Vets Color Guard for this solemn ceremony. 
Honor & Remembrance Day: 1:30pm - 1:45pm
In honor of our currently-serving military, veterans, and fallen heroes, a special pre-game celebration will take place on the field that includes:

• • A second special flyover and center-field landing of the fully restored UH-1 "Huey" Bell Helicopter from American Huey 369.
• • Over 30 Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA) riders will ride onto the field for the playing of the National Anthem.
• • Invited on-field will be nearly 50 survivors of fallen heroes from Northern Indiana followed by a live playing of TAPS.

Express Employment Professionals Brand It Blue Food Drive: May 26 & 27
According to Indiana's State Association of Food Banks, 1 out of 7 Hoosiers that are considered food insecure, nearly 25% are veteran households. During both games, buckets will be passed around to collect money for the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. "I find it very sobering that any veteran would come home and face food insecurity. I know that we can do better for them." Express Employment Professionals Franchisee Norm Robertson said.   
Military Appreciation Days is part of "Armed Forces Week" at Four Winds Field, a South Bend Cubs home-game stretch of 7 games from Friday May 24th, through Thursday May 30th, where each day recognizes and honors a brand of the United States Military. The recognition begins with the Army on May 24, Marines on May 25, Navy on May 28, Air Force on May 29, and the Coast Guard on May 30. 
The South Bend Cubs players, coaching staff, and entire organization thank all members of the Armed Forced, past and present, for their dedication and sacrifice.