Military Appreciation Day at the Mainers July 6

On Wednesday, July 6, 2022, the Sanford Mainers will host the veterans and military service members of York County at the annual Military Appreciation Day at Goodall Park in Sanford. American Legion Post #19 assisted by the Amvets and VFW will organize and coordinate the event. The ceremony honoring military members is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. Veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, Iraq and Afghanistan will be honored on the ballfield prior to the game.

At last year’s event, World War II veteran Leon Tanguay (Army & POW), Korean War veteran Arthur Rocray (Army), Vietnam veteran John Flagler (Marines), Iraq and Afghanistan veteran Becky Conley (Marines) and Vietnam and Cold War veteran Bill Harmon (Coast Guard), pictured above, were recognized and received standing ovations from over 500 in attendance. All veterans and military service personnel were applauded as they stood when their anthems were played. The Maine National Guard unit in Sanford brought a HumVee into the stadium concession area for spectators to see and inspect. As a special note, those recognized on the field received baseballs signed by the Mainers’ team members.

This year’s event is being sponsored by Marc Motors. Jim Bachelder of the Sanford VFW will again serve as Master of Ceremonies. This event has been held for six years, with the exception of 2020 when Covid forced cancellation.

After the ceremony, the National Anthem will be played and a member of Marc Motors’ staff will throw out the first pitch. At 6:30 the Mainers will take the field for their scheduled game against the Keene Swamp Bats.

All veterans, active-duty military and National Guard members are invited to attend the ceremony and the game with no admission fee.