Military Appreciation Day, Veterans Day Tributes Planned for Saturday at Memorial Stadium

Nov 9, 2023 / NU Athletics

Photo Credit: NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska Athletics will salute all Veterans and active-duty military in attendance in observance of Veterans Day at Saturday’s football game against Maryland.

Features during Veterans/Military Appreciation Day will include:

Military tactical vehicles will be stationed outside Memorial Stadium on Stadium Drive and outside East Stadium gate 20.
Herbie Husker will arrive in a 1952 M38 “Willy’s” Jeep, escorting the team buses to the stadium for the unity walk at 8:45 a.m.
The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots will be outside of the entrances of Memorial Stadium to collect new, un-opened toys and donations. Toys for Tots helps bring the joy of Christmas and send a message of hope to America's less fortunate children by providing the gift of a new toy.
Fans are encouraged to stop by the Veterans' Tribute located outside of the Pershing Military and Naval Science building at the corner of 14th and Vine Street.
Saturday's flyover at the conclusion of the national anthem will feature three Army Guard CH-47 Chinook helicopters from Grand Island.
During the National Anthem, a 100-yard American flag will be displayed on the field.
The names of Nebraskans killed in military action since 2003 will scroll on the HuskerVision screens during the National Anthem
The National Anthem will be performed by Master Sgt. Samantha Renner, Capt. Megan McKenna, Chief Warrant Officer 2 Paul Kenney, and Spc. Matthew Brandenburg.
Brig. Gen. Craig Strong, Nebraska’s Adjutant General, will serve as an Honorary Captain for the Huskers and participate in the coin toss.
The University of Nebraska will recognize its partnership with U. S. Strategic Command and the 150,000 men and women who serve in the Command and play a critical role in our nation’s security.
The Huskers will be greeted on the field by Nebraska veterans and active-duty military.
Former Husker offensive lineman Chris Long (2012-15) will lead the team out of the locker room carrying the American Flag. Staff Sergeant Long was an offensive lineman for the Huskers and is now a flight paramedic in the Nebraska Army National Guard.
The Nebraska National Guard’s 43rd Army Band will join the Cornhusker Marching Band for Saturday’s halftime show.
At halftime, Governor Jim Pillen will administer the oath of enlistment to 30 of Nebraska’s newest military service men and women.
Fans in attendance who are serving or have served will be asked to stand and be recognized.
Shoutout videos featuring military servicemembers with Nebraska ties from around the world will be shown during selected breaks throughout the game.
Saturday's POW-MIA Chair Sentinel will feature Lieutenant Colonel Mary Louise Cermak Resch of Bruno, Neb.

In addition, Nebraska Athletics will host a group of veterans on Thursday, including a visit to Nebraska’s football practice and a lunch to follow with several athletic staff members.

Show our veterans that the Huskers stand with them by picking up a new piece of Operation Hat Trick merchandise. Proceeds from the purchase of Operation Hat Trick go to organizations that provide direct services and support to wounded service members and veterans. Fans can shop OHT on Saturday on the east plaza near gate 20 or at the Adidas container store on Stadium Drive. OHT gear is also available at the Nebraska team store or at shop.huskers.com. Other local retailers are also carrying the product.