The Ely Baseball Association will salute local veterans on Thursday, in conjunction with the start of the Minnesota American Legion Baseball Division II State Tournament.
All veterans and military personnel will be admitted free for the evening session on the opening day of the eight-team state tournament, and they’re also invited to take part in the tournament opening ceremonies.
Set to start at 6 p.m., in between games of the evening session, the opening ceremonies will include all eight teams invited to line up around the infield, with an Honor Guard presentation.
The veterans and military personnel will be introduced at that time and invited to line up on the field during the playing of the national anthem. Veterans should report to the ballpark by 5:45 p.m.
“We’ve done this the last several times we’ve hosted major Legion baseball tournaments,” said tournament coordinator Tom Coombe. “When we hosted the Central Plains regional in 2005 and the Legion state tourneys in 2007, 2011 and 2019, we had very moving opening ceremonies each time and we hope a lot of veterans will come out and participate.
“We invite veterans of all ages to come out to the ballpark and take in the games. We’re proud to be hosting the tournament, and what better way to start it off than to recognize all of our veterans and those who have served or are serving in our military forces.”
Veterans and representatives of all military branches or guard units are invited to attend. A sign-up sheet will be posted at the ticket booth to gain admission.
