Military Appreciation Day 2022

by Dale Midgley

On July 6, 2022, the Sanford Mainers of the New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL) played host to the veterans and military service members of York County at the annual Military Appreciation Day at Goodall Ballpark in Sanford. The American Legion Post #19 assisted by the Amvets & VFW organized and coordinated the event.

On a beautiful summer evening the Color Guards of the Civil Air Patrol #078 and the American Legion Post #79, Kennebunk plus Cadets from the Civil Air Patrol, Sanford Composite Squadron escorted veterans from the US Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard onto Goodall Field for a Special Ceremony honoring all Veterans and Military Personnel from all the branches of the US Military.

Jim Bachelder, Master of Ceremonies, a US Navy and Vietnam Veteran introduced each veteran representing the various services: Rob Martin – US Army, Richard Brunelle – Marines, Joanna Ruggs – Navy, Arthur Rocray – Air Force and Percival Lowell – Coast Guard. Each received a standing ovation from the over 600 in attendance.

A Special Recognition Ceremony was held for Leon Tanguay, World War II Army Veteran of the 28th Infantry Division who was captured during the liberation of France and held in a German POW camp till the end of the war. He received a special citation and standing ovation from the audience.

All veterans and military personnel in attendance were applauded as they stood as their military anthem was played. As a special highlight all members of the Sanford Mainers shook the hands of the Veterans on the field and each received a baseball signed by the Mainers . The National Guard Unit of Sanford gave out National Guard cushioned seats and Nerf balls for those in attendance.

The event was sponsored by Marc Motors and Ben Greenberg of Marc Motors, who threw out a pitch prior to the game. Ben played for the Mainers for 3 years and received a rousing welcome back by the assembled crowd. Leon Tanguay retook the field after the National Anthem was played and threw a strike to the catcher to start the regular scheduled game.