AA St. Paul Saints

Saints and TDS Metrocom to Honor Vietnam Vets July 4

Published on June 23, 2008 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN (June 23, 2008) - Heroes don't risk their lives or help others because they want recognition. They do it because they are some of the more selfless people around and put others first. With this in mind, the St. Paul Saints and TDS Metrocom will recognize Vietnam Veterans on "Forgotten Heroes Night," Friday, July 4 at Midway Stadium

The Saints and TDS Metrocom, teaming up for the fourth consecutive year to make the ballclub's Independence Day Celebration memorable and meaningful, are inviting all Vietnam Veterans to enjoy a day at the ballpark. These men and women, who helped defend democracy in Vietnam, will be honored during the evening. The pre-game ceremony will include Diane Finneman, a Forest Lake native, who completed a year long effort of having Vietnam Veterans Day in Minnesota (March 29) signed into law by Governor Tim Pawlenty.

Finneman's brother was a member of the now famous "Twins Platoon." Members of the platoon, including the author of the 2006 book with the same title, will be invited to the pre-game ceremony and game.

Throwing out a ceremonial first pitch is Tom Scheppers, a Vietnam Vet, who ran from the anniversary of D-Day to Veterans Day of 2007 encompassing 3,300 miles through 12 states spreading awareness for a veteran's memorial in Washington, DC.

"We heard from many current, active veterans that they would like to see the heroes of the Vietnam War honored. We were reminded that, upon returning from Vietnam, these vets received anything but the hero's welcome that veterans of so many other American wars received, and asked that we focus our attention on them." said Saints Vice President and General Manager Derek Sharrer. "We hope to, in our own small way, pay tribute to these heroic men and women."

While the Vietnam Vets appreciate being honored on the night of July 4, they didn't want the efforts and sacrifices of our troops overseas to go unmentioned. A live video connection with members from the National Guard serving overseas, many of whom have family members that served in Vietnam, will be played on the Saints video board during the evening. During past Independence Day Celebrations, the Saints have played videos on their video board in left-center field from troops overseas. It has been such a big hit that the Saints are continuing the tradition.

Along with TDS Metrocom, the Saints will provide 2,000 special warning track tickets to veterans from around the state of Minnesota as well as current military members and their families. Last year's Independence Day celebration brought a Saints record crowd of 9,312 to the ballpark.

The Saints take on the Lincoln Saltdogs beginning at 7:05 p.m. with gates opening at 6:00 p.m. and parking for tailgating beginning at 4:00 p.m. Following the game is the Saints largest fireworks show of the season. For more information or for tickets to the July 4 event contact the Saints box office at 651-644-6659 or online at saintsbaseball.com.

Check out the St. Paul Saints Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



American Association Stories from June 23, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central