Red Sox salute Westover Airmen

The Red Sox organization paid tribute to the members of the United States military during Military Appreciation Day held on the 239th anniversary of America’s independence, July 4th, at Fenway Park in Boston.

The game began with the first pitch, thrown out by Col. Albert Lupenski, Commander of the 439th Airlift Wing at Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass. A large American flag was unfurled over the “Green Monster” in left field, while dozens of Airmen saluted and an Airman from Hanscom AFB, Mass., sang the National Anthem. The audience roared in applause when the anthem concluded, and remained standing in anticipation as Colby Jorg, son of Westover senior recruiter Chief Master Sgt. Christian Jorg, yelled, “Play Ball.”

“It’s definitely a proud moment,” said Airman Angela Decillis, a member of the 439th Force Support Squadron, who assisted with the flag unfurling. “Being on the field is pretty exciting.”

Fans in attendance came out not only to celebrate our independence and cheer on the Red Sox, but also to honor the military. “It means a lot to me that so many people have defended our freedom over the years, so I could enjoy such a beautiful day at Fenway,” said Jonathon Hamel, a Red Sox fan from Acushnet, Mass.

The Red Sox are no stranger to the commitment to U.S. military. Their own Ted Williams, a Hall-of-Famer and career Red Sox player left the Red Sox in 1943 to serve in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps during World War II. He returned to the Red Sox later that year but left again in 1952 in support of the Korean War. Although initially trained as a propeller-driven fighter pilot, he later transitioned to the F9F-5 Panther single-engine jet. He also taught as a military aviation instructor in San Francisco. After returning to the Red Sox in 1953, he played until retiring in 1960.

Fenway Park even has a military memorial emblazoned in the stadium wall near home plate.  The memorial contains a list of all former players who have served in the military, as well as pictures and historical memorabilia, such as Ted Williams brown leather flight jacket.

The game ended with a win for the Red Sox, beating the Houston Astros 6-1. Immediately after the game, fans were rushed out of the stadium but began to line the streets outside to bid farewell to their favorite players.