The Baltimore Ravens will hold their Military Appreciation Day on Sunday, Aug. 11, coinciding with the team's 5 p.m. free and open training camp practice at M&T Bank Stadium.
Approximately 3,500 special seats will be reserved for active service members and veterans who present valid military identification upon check-in at the stadium. Immediate family members of the servicemen and servicewomen are also welcome to join, with all preferred seating coming on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Additionally, those who show a valid military I.D. will be given a special edition Ravens patriotic T-shirt, while their children will receive a unique Ravens gift. (Gift quantities are limited.)
Though not required, members of the armed forces are encouraged to come in uniform.
This marks the Ravens' sixth-annual Military Appreciation Day, an event head coach John Harbaugh instituted during his first season with the team in 2008. Harbaugh, who plans to address the military guests just prior to the start of the practice, has been an advocate of the U.S. Military since his Baltimore arrival.
"We've got great respect for the military," Harbaugh stated. "We just really feel strongly about who the heroes are in our country. We understand that the freedom we enjoy to make all of our dreams come true – the American Dream – is made real by the sacrifices that are made by the American heroes in our military all over the world."
In 2011, Harbaugh was selected as one of two finalists (Titans owner Bud Adams) for the inaugural NFL Salute to Service award for exceptional efforts to honor and support the military community. In 2012, Harbaugh was presented an Outstanding Civilian Service Award by General Raymond Odierno, Chief of Staff of the Army. Harbaugh's passion for assisting the troops was felt immediately by the Ravens in 2008 when he helped institute Military Appreciation Day.
Away from the field, Harbaugh often recruits players and coaches to join him for military base visits. He has also spent significant time and funds putting together holiday care packages for soldiers overseas, in addition to school supplies for military families.
Who: Active Military Members and Veterans and Immediate Family
What: Ravens Military Appreciation Day
Where:M&T Bank Stadium Training Camp Practice
When: Sunday, Aug. 11
5 p.m. (gates open at 3:30 p.m.)
Details: Service members should enter the stadium at Gate B. Valid military I.D. must be presented to obtain special gifts and preferred seating in reserved sections.
