NEW YORK, May 19, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New York Mets will pay tribute to the United States Navy Seabees when the team hosts the San Diego Padres on Thursday, May 25th. The Seabees are celebrating their Diamond Anniversary in 2017, and the CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation has coordinated this special evening to highlight the service, sacrifice and contributions of the men and women of the Naval construction force.
The Seabees, famed for their “Can Do” attitude, have been active in times of war, peace and natural disaster since 1942. Today, they continue to represent the best of America and play an important role in the country’s future, as they foster careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Citi Field celebration will include a pre-game home plate ceremony for honored Seabee veterans and family members, a color guard ceremony, and a special in-game welcome message from the Mets. Seabees from every era will be honored, including Hall of Fame sportscaster, Bob Wolff, who served in World War II; Joseph Kubat, who was active during the Vietnam War; and Jon Murray, representing Seabees in the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. In addition, jerseys will be presented to family members of Marvin Glenn Shields, the only Seabee to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor, and family of Robert Stethem, a Seabee killed during the hijacking of commercial flight TWA 847 in 1985.
“As we reflect upon the true meaning of Memorial Day, it is an honor to have this opportunity to pay tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed in the Navy Seabee family over the last 75 years, for it is not just those who go into the field who give so much, but the friends and family who wait behind as well. I am privileged to serve as steward to their stories as the President of the CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation” said Captain William Hilderbrand.
The game, scheduled for 7:10 PM, comes during 2017 Fleet Week New York, a joint celebration held each year by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard. The year’s theme is “Celebrating the Sea Services and Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Seabees,” to honor the proud Seabee tradition as skilled builders and fighters.
During Memorial Day weekend, the CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation will participate in public programming at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on Pier 86, 12th Avenue and 46th Street, on Manhattan’s West Side. There will be activities for all ages. Featured events include the You “Can Do” Too Design Challenge and A Seabee History Through Time (Abridged).
To commemorate the 75th anniversary, the Seabee Historical Foundation has launched a Diamond Anniversary Campaign to highlight the vital history of the Seabees, support their efforts in the field of STEM education, and install major new exhibits at the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum in Port Hueneme, California. Details on the campaign, future events and how to make a contribution are available at seabee75.org.