Revolution To Host Annual 'Salute To Heroes' On Saturday
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Revolution will celebrate National Armed Forces Day on Saturday by hosting thousands of members of the Armed Services and first responders from all over New England.
The team has made Saturday night the official "Salute to Heroes" night, and have distributed nearly 3,000 tickets for their match against Toronto FC to police, fire and EMS personnel, and active duty service members, reservists, veterans and family members from all five branches of the military.
Listen: Revs President Brian Bilello On WZLX
The team has several activities planned throughout the evening:
- Several branches of the military will have activities set up in the NRG Plaza for fans to take part in. They will also have their military vehicles on display.
- The USO Show Troupe will perform pregame in the NRG Plaza and on-field during halftime.
- Members of the military and their families will help create a special pregame rally tunnel for the players and officials as they walk on to the field.
- Revolution players will walk out on to the field during the procession wearing t-shirts from the five branches of the military, as well as local police, fire and EMS units.
- A large United States flag will be presented by troops on-field for the National Anthem.
- The National Anthem will be performed by the USO Show Troupe, while the Canadian National Anthem will be performed by USO Show Troupe member Lesley McKinnell.
- The night's Honor Guard will be members of Boston EMS.
- USO volunteers will be on-site for donation collections in lieu of a gameday raffle.
Stats: Revolution Team Page
The Revs, who are riding an eight-game unbeaten streak, will also wear special jerseys with camouflage numbers on them for Saturday's tilt. After the game, the game-worn jerseys will be auctioned off, with all proceeds benefiting USO New England.
Earlier this week the Revolution invited more than 20 members of the armed services and first responders to their Wednesday practice session. After the team was done on the field, they posed for pictures, signed autographs and spent time meeting the men and women, thanking them for their services.
You can hear Saturday's Revolution-Toronto FC match at 7:30pm on 98.5 The Sports Hub -- the flagship station of the New England Revolution!