D.C. United announced today that the club will host its 12th Annual Armed Forces and Veterans Appreciation Day match on Wednesday, July 20 at RFK Stadium as the Black-and-Red take on New England. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. The event will feature programs throughout the day in support of our area Armed Forces, Veterans and their families, and is supported in part by American Airlines, GEICO, Thermopylae Sciences + Technology, UNITED BANK and Verizon Wireless.
“It's an honor to pay tribute to local military personnel and their families,” said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. “In addition to paying tribute to the great work and sacrifices of the men and women of the US armed forces, our fans will have the opportunity to see military displays and programs in action at RFK Stadium.”
D.C. United is proud to host numerous special guests for the day’s events. These individuals include Major General Errol R. Schwartz, Commanding General, DC Army National Guard and Brigadier General Jeffrey R. Johnson, Commanding General, 113th Wing Group, U.S. Air Force, and Air National Guard of Andrews AFB. Additionally, Colonel Paul D. Montanus, United States Marine Corps, Commanding Officer, Marine Barracks 8th & I, and Sergeant Major Eric J. Stockton, United States Marine Corps, Barracks Sergeant Major, Marine Barracks 8th & I will both be in attendance.
A festival to showcase aspects of the Armed Forces community will be featured in the Tailgate Area in Lot 8 beginning at 5:00 p.m. It will include booths for Armed Forces recruiters, the USO-Metro and their Mobile Canteen, and various Department of Defense contractors booths and static displays.
Pre-match activities include a Brass quintet from the U.S. Air Force Band performing a “Patriotic Opening” from 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.; a swearing-in ceremony of new recruits conducted by MG Schwartz; Colors presented by a Joint Armed Forces Color Guard; the National Anthem performed by Master Sergeant Antonio Giuliano, Senior Vocalist & National Anthem Soloist of the U.S. Army Chorus; and a fixed-wing flyover by the 113th Wing Group from Andrews AFB.
At halftime, MSG Giuliano will return to lead the fans in “God Bless America,” following a performance by the world-renowned United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Team.
More than 1,000 free tickets have been provided for Armed Forces & Veterans personnel and their families, while additional discounted tickets for Military ID holders and their families are available through D.C. United offices at 202-587-5000 or via dcunited.com.
