Nationals manager Dave Martinez, who grew up in a family of veterans, knows what it means to serve. That’s why Monday’s Memorial Day is important to the baseball skipper.
Martinez and 11 other members of the Nationals coaching staff visited the VA Medical Center on Tuesday to spend time with veterans and express their gratitude in person. The manager said that the visit remained front of mind this Memorial Day weekend.
“Being in D.C., Memorial Day is very special. For me, this is the heart of the country, the heart of the military,” the 59-year-old Martinez said Sunday before the Nationals’ afternoon game against the Seattle Mariners. “I value all those people and the families that have lost their loved ones because they’re trying to protect us.”
People were interested in these podcasts
Martinez’s coaching staff said the holiday is a time to reflect on the debt ordinary Americans owe those who wear the uniform.
“Allowing that [sacrifice] to sink in is a huge part of what Davey had us come out here and do …” hitting coach Darnell Coles said. “We, as people that are not in the service, do not understand what that [sacrifice] means. It gives us an appreciation for what other people go through.”
Martinez has uncles and cousins who served and returned home, but he said he finds himself thinking about those who didn’t.
“It’s going to be a very special day, not only for me but for everyone,” Washington’s manager said. “I thank [service members] … for keeping us safe and putting their lives on the line for us to have the freedom to do what I do.”
The Nationals recognized several Gold Star families, those whose loved ones died in the military, before Sunday’s game.
A young man from TAPS, a support group of military families, delivered the first pitch — his father died in 2008 while serving in the Air Force. Gold Star mothers from Maryland honored their sons as they delivered lineup cards and started the game with a ceremonial announcement to “play ball!”
The women returned to the field in the fourth inning to hold the finish line for the fan-favorite racing presidents.
Team officials said the pregame festivities were meant to carry on the memories of those who died in the line of duty while simultaneously honoring their loved ones.
“Thank you so much for the families,” Martinez said before the game. “My heart goes out to you guys. Thank you for sharing your loved ones with us.”
Please read our comment policy before commenting.