Rain and chilly temperatures did not stop the 120 Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen that gathered at Kaufman Stadium Thursday evening for a few hours to prepare for one small piece of what will become the Opening Ceremonies for the Home Opener against the Cleveland Indians to take place in less than 24 hours.

Fans will gather, to attend a sold-out game on Friday, and partake of the traditional Hot dogs, peanuts, cold beer and cotton candy, along with the other great eats and beverages the “K “ has to offer.  As they sit in their homes on the eve of home opening, anticipating the thrill of seeing Hochevar, the 28-year-old right-hander, make that first throw to kick off the season, concession staffers and contract workers rush to put the finishing touches on concessions, to make the game day experience memorable.

As fans feel the excitement and plan what they will wear the next day, anticipating seeing the performance of Third baseman Mike Moustakas and First baseman Eric Hosmer, perform on their first home opener in Kansas City, the Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen weathered the showers and night air, practicing the presentation of the largest American Flag to the fans of Kansas City, across the field.

Over 170 Servicemen and women will align the flag in uniform to display the flag which spans 150 x 300 feet and weighs 1100 lbs, across the field, as the National Anthem plays.  There is nothing more moving than sharing the American spirit and love of country like the American flag, the National Anthem, hot dogs and baseball.

The fans will most likely not be the only ones with goose-bumps when the game starts at 3:10 p.m. CT. Some of the team’s young offensive stars will be taking the field for their first Opening Day at Kauffman Stadium.

We will all be envisioning the sea of blue at the “K”….all for the love of the game.

©Copyright protected 2013: JD, NWU Local 1981

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