Yankees Host Newtown Residents And Honor Victims
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — The New York Yankees are hosting about 4,000 residents of Newtown, Conn., during their game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Hoping to help the community heal from last year's shooting massacre, the team invited Newtown residents to Sunday's game, giving them free tickets and vouchers for food and drinks on "Newtown Day at Yankee Stadium."
Yankees Host Newtown Residents And Honor Victims
More: Coverage of Newtown Massacre
During a pregame ceremony, the crowd went silent as victims from the December shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School were listed on the giant video board in center field. The Newtown Police Department and Sandy Hook Fire Department provided a joint color guard, and the national anthem was sung by the Newtown Youth Voices, a group of kids aged 7-17 that formed after the tragedy.
Newtown First Selectman Pat Llodra says fun events like this are a very important part of the town's recovery.
"The Yankees' organization has supported our community in several ways since the tragic events of December 14. Their generosity and compassion during this difficult time means a lot to all of us. We also would like to thank Commissioner (Bud) Selig, the Red Sox and Major League Baseball for this meaningful tribute to our community." said Llorda when he visited the team on Opening Day.
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