Dragons to Host American Celebration Night in Honor of Local Service Men and Women on Saturday

DAYTON, Ohio -- As part of the season-long Hometown Heroes Program, the Dayton Dragons will celebrate our local military community on Saturday, August 23, as they host the Peoria Chiefs on American Celebration Night at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. This special night will honor all servicemen and women of the military who defend our freedoms both locally and abroad. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 pm.

Throughout the 2025 season, the Dragons have partnered with the Dayton Development Coalition, Reynolds and Reynolds, HII Mission Technologies, Synergy Building Systems, and HNB to shine the spotlight on the military through the Hometown Heroes program. This amazing program hosts military families at every Dragons game, recognizes outstanding military organizations and individuals, and welcomes the newest members of the armed forces during special ceremonies.

Festivities for American Celebration Night will begin before the game on the plaza where fans can check out various military-related booths and military vehicles. Plaza displays will include representation from many branches of service and provide an opportunity for fans to learn from and interact with those who are currently in service. Inside the ballpark, Lieutenant General Linda Hurry and Chief Master Sergeant Bill Fitch will throw out ceremonial first pitches. The national anthem will be performed by retired Technical Sergeant Felita LaRock and signed by Master Sergeant Michelle Lee with colors presented by the Honor Guard from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

American Celebration Night also connects baseball to the local military community with the Kroger Baseball Buddies program. This year, the Kroger Baseball Buddies will feature children of Springfield Air National Guard families, who will take the field with Dragons players as the starting lineup is announced.

In-game activities will include an official recruit swear-in for the United States Air Force, Army and Marines, a demonstration by the Northmont High School NJROTC, the performing of God Bless America, an “Armed Services Song” inning-break, video recap of the Hometown Heroes program, and more!

The Hometown Heroes program is made possible by the generous support of the Dayton Development Coalition, Reynolds and Reynolds, HII Mission Technologies, Synergy Building Systems, and HNB. To learn more about the program, visit daytondragons.com/hometownheroes.