Bridgewater, NJ – The Somerset Patriots, along with the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 452, will honor veterans and current military members before the Patriots game on Sunday, August 30, with gates opening at 4:00 pm at TD Bank Ballpark. Fans are encouraged to arrive early for the special pre-game ceremony beginning at 4:15 pm.

The first 500 Adults in attendance will receive a bobblehead of Medal Of Honor recipient Colonel Jack Jacobs, who will be the special guest speaker at the event.

Col. Jacobs is a recipient of the Medal Of Honor (1969) for actions in Vietnam and also has two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars, and two Purple Hearts. He was in the U.S Army and the platoon leader in the 82^nd Airborne Division. He also served as the Battalion Executive Officer in the 7^th Infantry Division and a Battalion Commander for the 10^th Infantry Regiment in Panama.

The Patriots will welcome United States Armed Forces veterans and active Marines and soldiers to the ballpark. All veterans in attendance will be recognized for their courage and service to the United States.

The ceremony will feature a special Honor Guard from Vietnam Veterans of America- Chapter 233 Metuchen and The Rifle Squad from the Marine Corps League Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone Detachment, and Echo Taps played by Mark Paradis (Marine Corps Veteran and Co-Founder and Advisor – “Taps for Veterans”). There will also be a reenactment of the flag-raising on Iwo Jima by six (6) Marines who are wearing khaki and camouflage from WW II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

There will be a military fly-over with World War II planes and military vehicles around the ballpark for fans to view before the game. Military vehicles are also being provided for the event by Central Jersey Motor Pool.

Veterans from groups, such as the Marine Corps League, Vietnam Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Disabled America Veterans, Coast Guard League, Navy League, National Guard, Seabee Organization, Navy Seals, and the Green Berets will be honored before the game.

All veterans will receive complimentary admission to the game, while all family, friends, and other guests of veterans will receive $5.00 upper box tickets.

For more information on how to participate in the Somerset Patriots Veterans of America Day, or to purchase tickets for the event, please call the Somerset Patriots Ticket Office at (908) 252-0700 or visit somersetpatriots.com.