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Our Greatest Generation
The Stars and Stripes Newspaper – August 15, 1945
~ special thanks to David Skipp
On August 14, 1945, President Truman announced the end of World War II. To commemorate this anniversary, the United States Congress declared that a National “Spirit of ’45 Day” be observed on the second Sunday in August.
Earlier today at Marlins Park, we celebrated the Spirit of ’45 by paying tribute to all of the remarkable citizens who bravely served our country in that time of peril, by honoring the remembrance of our soldiers and loved ones who served, survived and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice during the second World War.
During a special pregame ceremony, twelve WWII veterans were honored. Each veteran received a unique commemorative gift from the Marlins – a container of sand from Iwo Jima…interestingly enough, two of the veterans honored actually were at Iwo Jima!
Spirit of ’45 celebration at Marlins Park – WWII Veterans were joined by Marlins President David Samson as well as front office staff who have served our country.
Undoubtedly, a day like today makes me think of my two grandfathers, both who served during WWII. My Grandpa Nystrom served in the Air Force, while my Grandpa Smith served in the Army. I never had the opportunity to know either of them, but I have heard many stories and certainly feel very proud of them to know that their service helped ensure the freedom I enjoy today.
Dean and Virginia Nystom – Des Moines, Iowa, 1944
Paul Smith – Missouri, 1942
A huge thanks to all members of our greatest generation, and as always thank you to those who have served and continue to serve the United States of America!
Marlins cupcakes are available at Duffy’s!
From July 7th- August 4th taste a funfetti sweet treat to help support the Boys & Girls Clubs in South Florida. For each $1 cupcake you buy, Duffy’s is donating $.50 to the Marlins Foundation.
Stop by Duffy’s between now and Saturday and help the Marlins Foundation support South Florida’s Boys and Girls Clubs!
NOTE: Donations will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs within the respective county where each cupcake is purchased. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America is an official Charity Partner of the Miami Marlins.
Bring your 4 legged pals out for Bark at the Park II!
Sunday, July 29, is once again Bark at the Park!
As a part of the festivities, Buehrle’s Buddies will be collecting pet supplies at the 1st base entrance.
Items such as food, beds, blankets, and toys will be colected and donated to the Broward County Humane Society.
In the Spirit of the 4th of July: A Sincere Thank You to the Men and Women Who Serve our Country
The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays (the other being Thanksgiving). I am proud to be an American, and I am eternally grateful to all those who serve our country. Our troops and their families give so much, sometimes the ultimate sacrifice, to ensure our freedom. I’ve often wondered what is the best way to show my appreciation.
The Fish are on the road in Pittsburgh on the 4th, so July 1st was Military Appreciation Day at Marlins Park. Prior to the game, Marlins personnel Giancarlo Stanton, Heath Bell, Mike Dunn, Steve Cishek and Ozzie Guillen spent time signing baseballs and posing for photos with wounded warriors from the Miami VA and the Wounded Warrior Project. One of the warriors, Roberto Cruz, threw out the ceremonial first pitch and then enjoyed the game with all of the other warriors in a suite compliments of the Miami Dade Police Department and POAT. We have partnered with the VA and WWP on this event for the warriors for many years, and it is always a great expereice for all those involved.
This year, being the inaugural year at Marlins Park, we wanted to add a new fan element to our Military Appreciation Day. So, we thought we would bring everyone together in one huge thank you…a salute FROM our fans TO our troops! In partnership with our friend Greg Zinone, Founder of Pro vs. GI Joe, we were able to link live with the USO Center in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The troops were shown live on MarlinsVision, and all of the Marlins fans (and yes…Phillies fans, too) stood up, cheered and threw out a salute to the troops. The energy in the ballpark was amazing…gave me goose bumps!
Our players and front office staff also signed a banner that will be sent to the same USO Center in Kandahar as a permanent symbol of our unwavering support to all of the men and women in uniform. Prior to the game on Saturday, the banner was on display and fans were encouraged to join in and show their support by signing a card. Many fans had family or friends currently deployed, some had sons and daughters that had just returned home, and others were Viet Nam Veterans. Many parents took the time to explain to their children the importance of what they were doing as they helped them write a note to our soldiers. It was a heartwarming experience to say the least. All of the cards will be sent to the USO Center in Kandahar along with the banner.
As I watch the fireworks on Wednesday night and reflect on how grateful I am to live in the greatest country in the world, I will also ponder the next way to show my gratitude to those that protect and fight for me.
It’s Father’s Day!!
Today is Father’s Day, and around MLB that means the light blue of prostate cancer awareness is everywhere; players, coaches, managers and umpires will all be donning wrist bands, tattoos, and eye-black to increase awareness for the importance of early detection. Additionally, the “Keep Dad in the Game Home Run Challenge” will ensure that all home runs hit today will raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Also, all around the league today, Dad’s will be enjoying the game with their children, passing along their baseball knowledge and undoubtedly stories of their youth. I love our game…it transcends generations and truly is a part of the fabric of America.
Baseball was a huge part of our family when I was a child…I spent countless hours as a little girl at the ball field, watching my older brothers’ games and waiting for the time when I would be old enough to join a team and start playing. I also cherish memories of our family going to Major League games, and staring in awe at how gigantic and beautiful the field was! We went to games in Cincinnati, Kansas City, Minneapolis, and my favorite, St. Louis. I still remember how excited I would get when Ozzie Smith would take the field and do a backflip!
This is my first baseball memory…I was about 3 years old, my brother had just received his new uniform and before he had a chance to try it on, I beat him to it! I was ready to play, Woody Woodpecker slippers and all! 
And even when we couldn’t go to games, I have wonderful memories of listening to the Cardinals on the radio with my dad…painting the picture of the game in my mind as we listened to Jack Buck call the game. So where am I going with this…baseball is the ultimate backdrop for building memories. So on this Father’s Day, my hope is that we all cherish our memories and remember that every moment is the opportunity to create new ones!
Happy Fathers Day to all of the dad’s out there! And to my Dad, you are the best pops any girl could dream to have! Thank you for teaching me to follow my passion and instilling in me the importance of compassion, the value of hard work, and the belief that anything is possible! I love you!
Adrian Mora
David Allende
Joanne Messing
Juancho
Angela Smith
sgaywood
Sarah
