East Valley marines enjoy a visit with Baxter the Bobcat.
Denise Lott
Marine Week in Phoenix was a packed schedule of demonstrations and performances by the United States Marine Corps. To enjoy some of the activities, 54 marines, family and friends of Detachment 1296’s Marine Corps League traveled by bus from Sun Lakes to the Diamondbacks vs. Dodgers baseball game, which also happened to fall on our designated Patriots Day of September 11.
The Marine Corps’ rock band from San Diego entertained outside the entrance to Gate A. Then in the pregame ceremonies, sharply dressed marines circled the ball field while children’s choruses from around the city sang patriotic songs to the audience.
As the game started, the Diamondbacks sprang to a great lead, with 10 runs by the bottom of the ninth, making it tough for the Dodgers to have any hope of catching up. While one of our groups watched from seats close behind third base, other marines were being treated to food and special seating in the Bank of America suite.
The final event before the fireworks was a performance by the Marine Corps’ Silent Drill Team. It was a great show for all game attendees, but especially meaningful for our marines.