Sports

Patriotic tribute game set for July 4

The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes annual Patriotic Tribute at Volcanoes Stadium has grown immensely, and has become one of the most successful Patriotic Tributes in minor league baseball. They are the recipient of the Northwest League’s Charles K. Murphy Patriot Award for 2017 and 2018, and a runner-up for the National

Minor League Baseball.

The main feature of their annual Patriotic Tribute is the formal Fallen Warrior Ceremony. This July 4th, the ceremony will be for Sergeant Ian Tawney, of Dallas, Ore., who was killed in Afghanistan when he was hit by an improvised explosive device. His only child, daughter Claire, was born three months after his death. Tawney’s extended family, and other relatives, and some of his Marine Corps brothers will be here for the ceremony.

Participating in the ceremony will be United States Congressman Kurt Schrader, United States Marine Corps Major General Chris Owens (Ret.), Oregon State University Naval ROTC Commander Captain Trey Sisson, National Vice-Commandant of the Marine Corps League T.J. Morgan, former Navy Officer Chaplain Nate Krupp delivering the Prayer for the Fallen and Missing Warriors, Polk County Commissioner Mike Ainsworth, Polk County Sheriff Mark Garton, Dallas Mayor and former Army Lt. Colonel Brian Dalton and Dallas Chamber of Commerce CEO J.D. Shinn. 

There will also be many service people up the base lines, like the Willamette Valley Pipes and Drum Corps, American Legion Rifle Team, trumpeter Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Jason Mosser and Oregon National Guard Senior Master Sergeant Denise Phillips singing Mansions of the Lord

The theme for 2019 is A Time to Recognize and Honor the Youth of Our Military Families. The Oregon National Guard is scheduled to deploy 2,400 soldiers this coming fall. This game will likely be a sellout as the Volcanoes average attendance on The 4th of July is 5,600. A fireworks show will follow the game. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Volcanoes at 503-779-4088.