42nd Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces game Nov. 9 honors vets, active-duty personnel
The 42nd annual Middle Tennessee State University Salute to Veterans and Armed Forces game and activities will definitely have a World War II theme as the university continues its tradition of hosting this special event in honor of veterans, military personnel and their families and supporters.
World War II veteran Bill Allen of Murfreesboro will receive the annual Joe B. Nunley Sr. Award and Borderless Arts Tennessee, whose students have participated in projects and field trips commemorating the 80th anniversary of the historic Battle of the Bulge, has a role in this year’s activities leading to the Saturday, Nov. 9, game between the MT Blue Raiders and Conference USA opponent Liberty University Flames in Floyd Stadium.
An annual tradition as part of Veterans Day, observed annually nationwide Nov. 11, the Salute to Veterans recognizes veterans and active-duty personnel for service to their country. The effort is led by the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center and the Blue Raider Athletics.
Football game tickets will be available for veterans, active-duty personnel and their families at the pregame picnic in Walnut Grove. Any current military service members or veteran groups wishing to secure tickets prior to game day should email [email protected] with the group name and quantity of tickets requested.
Fans can support the Seats for Soldiers effort by going to https://am.ticketmaster.com/mtsu/buy/Seats4Soldiers and buying tickets for $16.
Because of the nationally televised (CBS Sports) game kicking off at noon, pregame veterans events and Party in the Grove will have earlier starts. Activities include:
- 8:30 a.m. — Veterans Memorial Service in the Keathley University Center Theater, with a presentation by Derek Frisby, History Department master instructor.
- 9 a.m. — Party in the Grove, featuring live music from the 129th Army Band Freedom Winds, opening for alumnus Tyrone “Tyke T” Stroble of Memphis. The 129th Army Band Center Mass will also perform.
- 9:30 a.m. — Pregame Picnic and Vet Village for veterans in Walnut Grove.
- 9:45 a.m. — Raider Walk in Walnut Grove.
- 10:15 a.m. — Nunley award presentation.
- 10:30 a.m. — Floyd Stadium gates open.
- Noon — Kickoff for MTSU vs. Liberty game.
- 1:30 p.m. (approximately) — Band of Blue halftime tribute for halftime parade.
Allen, 99, was among 27 survivors when their ship struck an underwater mine, killing 117 sailors, during D-Day on the Normandy, France, beaches.
There will be a pregame flyover and various static displays in Walnut Grove. Mid-South Ford Dealers is a partnering sponsor.
Toy drive
The Student Veterans of America MTSU BRAVO chapter is competing with Austin Peay State University to collect toys for children in need. Fans are encouraged to bring a new, unopened toy for the donation drive. Items can be dropped off at the customer service lifeguard chairs at each Floyd Stadium gate.
World War II, Battle of the Bulge anniversary
Borderless Arts Tennessee dancers will perform during the game. They danced in Bastogne, Belgium, when the group traveled there to honor those who fought at the Battle of the Bulge, laying a wreath on behalf of the United States, said Lori Kissinger, Communications Studies master instructor and Borderless Arts TN director.
The group has done airplane nose art that will be on a sticker placed on a large drone from the Aerospace Department’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations program that’s delivering the game ball at approximately 11:48 a.m. just before kickoff, Kissinger added.
According to History.com, the Battle of the Bulge occurred from Dec. 16, 1944, to Jan. 25, 1945. Called “the greatest American battle of the war” by Winston Churchill, the combat in the Ardennes region of Belgium was Adolf Hitler’s last major offensive in World War II against the Western Front. Hitler’s aim was to split the Allies in their drive toward Germany. The German troops’ failure to divide Britain, France and America with the Ardennes offensive paved the way to victory for the allies, the website states.
