Returning to the Little Rose Bowl this Friday for the Bears' matchup against Tipton is Military Appreciation Night. Organized by Iowa National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Keeler and Army veteran Dave McIlrath, the evening of festivities will honor and recognize all veterans and current service members for their sacrifice and service to our country.
The evening's events will take place between the JV and Varsity games with the Varsity set to kickoff at 7:30pm. Pregame festivities include over 100 full-size American flags covering the edges of the field, held by fans and West Branch High School students, as the West Branch High School Marching Band performs the National Anthem. The flags are being loaned by the West Branch Lions Club from their Flags Over West Branch program.
In addition to the flag ceremony, sky divers are set to ascend from the sky above West Branch and land on Butch Pedersen Field. Iowa City High School is hosting a similar event that evening as well, so the two schools have worked together to organize and contribute to the cost of the paratroopers.
Most importantly, however, between the first and second quarters, all former and active military members will be asked to step onto the field to be recognized and honored for their service.
As the final event for the night, after the Marching Band's halftime performance, West Branch Schools Vocal Director, Chris Reed, will be performing a special song to wrap-up the evening's fantastic bill of events.
As for the football team on the field, the Bears will be wearing their red and digital camouflage jerseys. On the jerseys this year, however, will be shoulder patches representing each branch of the military in which they players have siblings, parents or other family members who have served or are currently serving. In the game program handed out at the gates will be a special insert that details what patch each player is wearing.
McIlrath has mentioned that donations are covering all costs of the evening's festivities and is thankful to all those who have donated. The Football program would like to thank you, Dave, and Brandon, for all of the work you have put in to make this evening possible. Anyone who would still like to donate to the event can contact Dave at 319-330-3300.
The most recent installment of this fantastic event occurred in 2016 as the Bears hosted North Cedar, coming out on top 35-14. Prior to that, the inaugural event occurred in 2015 as the Bears took on Wilton. Check out highlights from each of those games to catch a glimpse of the special events happening before each.
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All veterans and active members of the US Armed Forces, from both West Branch, Tipton, and surrounding areas, are invited to attend the game Friday to take place in the festivities and be honored on the field. Your admission is completely free as a small token of our gratitude.
