WASHINGTON - About 150 Soldiers and Airmen from the District of Columbia and Florida National Guards teamed together to unfurl a 100-foot-by-300-foot American super flag on opening day of the Washington Nationals 2011 baseball season March 31, here.
The National’s organization has incorporated the D.C. National Guard in their pre-game ceremony on opening day the past five years to honor servicemembers who serve in the Nation’s capital.
Children of servicemembers were on the field and greeted the starters as they ran onto the field.
The U.S. Navy Band performed America the Beautiful prior to the game and the National Anthem in conjunction with the flag unfurling. Top generals representing all four services threw out the first pitch.
Two members of the National Guard were individually recognized prior to the start of the game.
Air Force Staff Sgt. Jenna Hall, Unit Training Manager with the 113th Maintenance Group, D.C. National Guard and Bronze Star Recipient, and Army Staff Sergeant Timothy Huggins, 58th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Maryland National Guard.
Hall was recognized for her service during Operation Iraqi Freedom and volunteering to serve additional time beyond her deployment in Iraq.
“It’s an honor to be recognized in front of such a big crowd,” she said. “There are a lot of other Guardsmen who have done a lot of impressive things and I feel proud to serve with them.”
“Being able to cover the field with a flag at an event like this is great way to showcase the D.C. National Guard,” said Army Lt. Col. Dewey Wiseman with the D.C. National Guard Joint Force Headquarters.
The Airmen and Soldiers who volunteered met at Nationals Field eight hours before the game for a 10-15 minute run-through for the opening ceremony.
During this time, each Airman and Soldier was given a specific job to ensure the massive flag could be opened without touching the ground. The flag was so large that it would literally cover a football field.
Despite all the down time between the practice and the actual ceremony Airmen and Soldiers maintained high spirits.
Air Force Tech Sgt. Mike McKenna, Avionics, 113 Wing Maintenance Squadron, has participated in the past five opening ceremonies for the Nationals.
“It's a privilege,” McKenna said. “There's a tremendous sense of pride being on the field."
Pride and honor seemed to be the theme for those who volunteered.
“Hearing the roar of the fans after the National Anthem is really heartfelt,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. John Griffin, a jet engine mechanic in the 113th Maintenance Squadron.“It makes me proud to wear the uniform.”
“I felt a lot of pride when the crowd roared as the flag opened,” said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stephen Zakszeki, an aircraft electrician in the maintenance squadron.
Tom Davis, the event’s organizer for the Nationals, said the organization is grateful for the support the D.C. Guard has given them in the team’s first decade in Major League Baseball.