Veterans Day this Tuesday, November 11 is a solemn time to honor current military heroes of our Armed Forces serving in this country and around the globe as well as those killed while protecting our freedom during our country’s wars.
Several of us senior alumni are military vets and nearly all of us have family members or close friends who are active-duty service members.
More than 1,000 NFL personnel served during World War II at a time when our league was in its pre-glory days only 20-25 years after its founding. During the Korean War, 225 players fought for our country. The Vietnam conflict involved dozens of NFL alumni and players, including Roger Staubach and Rocky Bleier, who were either military reservists or active sailors, soldiers and Marines. Finally, many of us showed our patriotism when we were in the league and volunteered to support the military via USO overseas trips to Southeast Asia, the Far East and Europe.
“The NFL has no greater group of avid fans than our country’s military,” says Alumni CEO Brad Edwards. “We continue to stand ready to do whatever we can to pay them back for their interest and support.”
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is opening its doors on November 11 to offer free admission to all US service members, National Guard members and veterans. Blue Star Mothers and Gold Star Family members also will be admitted free that day.
The Pat Tillman Foundation, which was founded in memory of our Alumni brother Pat who was killed in Afghanistan in 2004, is having its annual Tillman Honors Gala tonight (November 6) in Chicago. NFL alum Larry Fitzgerald, who like Pat was an Arizona Cardinal, is receiving the prestigious Champion Award from the Foundation. Larry is being recognized for his dedication to the veteran and military community. Brad Edwards is representing our organization in Chicago, which is the headquarters city for the Foundation. Cardinals’ owner Michael Bidwill also is scheduled to be at the event.
The league office last week announced the nominees for the annual Salute to Service Award. See below for information on the four NFLA nominees.
As the country observes Veterans Day this Tuesday, we at NFL Alumni ask you to join us and thank our patriotic military members at every opportunity.
