WASHINGTON -- The Washington National’s baseball team held a Marine Corps Day July 21, at National’s Park in Washington.
For four years, the team has hosted Marine Day to honor Marines and the sacrifices they have made for the country.
“It is one of our best traditions,” said Gregory McCarthy, the Vice President of Community Engagement for the Washington Nationals. “We’re a young team and we don’t have a lot of traditions, but one of the [traditions] we are really cultivating is our tribute to the military and the Marines in particular. We are very happy to have Marines and their families here tonight.”
The event also allowed fans to see Marines in uniform come together so they could honor and recognize their actions, according to McCarthy.
“We’re channeling the good will and patriotism of our fans,” said McCarthy. “It’s a way to honor the men and women that are here tonight and their families, but also to let our fans partake in honoring our service members.”
Marines from across the National Capitol Region came to the event, including The President’s Own United States Marine Band; Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Bailey, deputy commandant, Plans, Policies and Operations, Headquarters Marine Corps; and Sgt. Maj. Ronald L. Green, the 18th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps.
“The Nationals go out of their way to take care of the military. We’re very proud of the organization that gives us an opportunity to be recognized,” said Lt. Gen. Bailey. “Being part of a military day and any recognition makes me proud, but I’m [also] proud of the Marines from the National Capitol Region who could be here and understand what the Nationals and the nation does to honor military members.”
Lieutenant Gen. Bailey threw the honorary first pitch to kick off the game, followed by the playing of the National Anthem with a Marine color guard presenting the American flag and the Marine Corps battle colors.
Being recognized by the community affects the way Marines take pride in their core values, according to Lt. Gen. Bailey.
“It enhances the overall ethos of our Corps,” he said. “They understand it’s a commitment not only in the Marine Corps but from the greater community and the Nationals are part of that community that appreciates the men and women in the Corps.”