 SAN DIEGO, CA – The U.S. Military All-Stars announced today that they are set to embark on their 23rd annual “Red, White & Blue Tour” visiting 45 states and 3 countries and presented by Louisville Slugger. The city-to-city bus tour will begin in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania on June 6th and commemorate D-DAY by honoring a local hero whose adventure began soon after the USS DREXLER, a destroyer was launched in 1944 from Bath Iron Works in Maine. In March 1945, she got underway from the island of Ulithi in the South Pacific, which was being used as the staging area for the upcoming invasion of Okinawa. Coincidentally, American League batting champion Mickey Vernon who is also from Delaware County – was stationed on Ulithi at that time.On May 28, 1945 while sailing to Japan the USS DREXLER and USS LOWRY were attacked by kamikazes. The first was shot down, but a second plowed into the DREXLER. Despite heavy damage, she kept firing, shooting down three more Japanese Zeros before being hit by another kamikaze attack. Less than a minute later she rolled over and sank to the bottom with the Commanding Officer and 157 sailors trapped on board.Among the survivors that day was American Hero and 45-year Glen Mills resident Seaman First Class Fred Mitchell, U.S. Navy. |
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| On June 7th at 7:30 PM in conjunction with the visit, the U.S. Military All-Stars will visit the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum in downtown Media, PA and be the guests of honor at the premier of Ballfield to Battlefield and Back– From FDR to JFK at the Media Theater on East State Street. This presentation sponsored by Executive Director Tore Fiore of Delaware County’s Brandywine Convention and Visitors Bureau will debut the film narrated by two former major league players — George Case and Delaware County’s own Mickey Vernon. Mickey and George are gone now, but through their eyes you can get a first-hand look at life in the big leagues from 1939-1962 by those that lived it. The film exemplifies the American tradition of our sports heroes serving our nation both home and away featuring more than 80 major league players who served in our Armed Forces. There has always been a positive relationship between baseball and the morale of our country. More than 5,000 professional baseball players left the baseball diamond to serve during WWII. That dedication to our American way of life has continued through Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. The historic tradition of changing from one uniform to another to serve a cause greater than one’s self continues today with the U.S. Military All-Stars. Admission to all D-DAY anniversary events are free and open to the public. For more information contact: Jim Vankoski 610-909-4919. |
| U.S. MILITARY ALL-STARS “RED, WHITE & BLUE TOUR” |
| During a visit to the Naval Aviation Museum, President H.W. Bush discussed the positive impact baseball had on morale during WWII. His comments initiated the development of military baseball in the modern era. Over two decades later, the U.S. Military All-Stars are the only team in history to wear full-camouflage uniforms with historical references representing all branches of the military and first responders. The historic “Red, White & Blue Tour” delivers unique patriotic events designed to honor America and its heroes. They conduct a choreographed pre-game that includes “Passing the Ground Zero Flag” and “Walk of Honor” ceremonies to recognize local heroes and everyone who has ever worn a uniform in defense of our freedom. Each game also features a moving tribute to those lost on 9-11.Since 1990, over 25,000 men and women have suited up in their unique camouflage uniform featuring a bright yellow ribbon crafted in the shape of an “S” to signify “SUPPORT for our Troops.” Over 350 year-round appearances deliver highly competitive, exciting and patriotic entertainment. The U.S. Military All-Stars provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience to our Armed Forces and First Responders. The majority have deployed in direct support of the Global War on Terrorism. Although the program has won more than 70% of their games, they all understand the unique responsibility far exceeds games won or lost on the field. |
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| For Tickets or more information please visit: www.usmilitaryallstars.us |
Guests:
George Case will join us to talk about the U.S. Military Red, White and Blue Tour commemorating how baseball helped morale during WW II.
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