LANDOVER, Md. - The score wasn't what Redskins fans had hoped, but service members who attended the Nov. 16 Washington-Tampa Bay game at FedEx Field in Landover, Md., had other reasons to cheer.
The Washington Redskins continued their tradition of honoring the nation's veterans and active duty military through the team's annual Salute to Service game.
Prior to kickoff, the Redskins presented a special military challenge coin for use in the official coin toss. Vocalist Sgt. Vicki Golding of the 257th Army Band, sang the national anthem and more than 200 service members unveiled a field-length American flag and performed the living flag ritual. The Joint Base Andrews Honor Guard presented the colors and a F-16 performed a fly-over of the stadium.
Salute to Service banners, honoring all branches of the Armed Forces and members of the military on-field, were displayed on the sidelines. As part of the Redskins' season-long military appreciation efforts, three families from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors - a nonprofit that assists those grieving the death of a loved one serving in the military - were highlighted during the game on the end zone video boards.
Throughout November, 32 National Football League games will be played in honor of the nation's military. For each point that is scored, the NFL will donate $100 to each of its military appreciation partners. According to the NFL, more than $200,000 has already been raised this season.
Special guests at the game included Lt. Gen. David Halverson, commanding general of the U.S. Army Installation Management Command and assistant chief of staff of installation management; Adm. Michelle Howard, vice chief of naval operations and Gen. Larry O. Spencer, vice chief of staff, U.S. Air Force; and Gen. John Paxton, assistant commandant of the Marine Corps. The group served as honorary captains for the coin toss and met senior Redskins leadership.
During halftime, The Military Order of the Purple Heart held a special pinning ceremony and the Quantico Marine Corps Band performed on the field.
Player towels, gloves, captains' patches and helmet decals were decked out in camouflage and each ball used during the game had a camouflage ribbon on it.
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