Tennessee announces Military Appreciation Game vs. Arkansas State

The University of Tennessee will honor the service men and women of the United States military in Saturday’s game against Arkansas State. Neyland Stadium will hold its annual Military Appreciation Game, which includes a variety of events, including a military-themed halftime show, the school announced through its official football website.

At halftime, the Pride of the Southland Band will pay tribute to those who serve our country by wearing the uniform, being accompanied by country music singer Lee Greenwood. The performance will also also pay tribute to several Medal of Honor recipients, who will be in attendance. The recipients will also attend The 2014 Medal of Honor Convention held in Knoxville from Sept. 10-13.

Also, The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Department of Tennessee, is naming the University of Tennessee as a Purple Heart-designated University because of its commitment to veterans and the military as well for its continued support of combat-wounded veterans. The University of Tennessee is the first school in the state of Tennessee to receive this honor and the sixth nationally.

Major Gen. Max Haston, Adjutant General for the state of Tennessee, will participate in the presentation, in which Robert Hunt, State Commander of the Military Order of the Purple heart, will present the designation to university chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek.

Several members of the Wounded Warriors Project will also be in attendance at Neyland Stadium on Saturday.

Fans will be given the opportunity to show their gratitude for the United State’s service men and women by signing and writing messages of appreciation on an 8 foot-by-20 foot banner that reads “Thank You Military” and includes each logo of the five military branches. The banner will be placed outside Gate 21 at the stadium’s entrance.

Saturday’s game is scheduled for a 12:01 pm kickoff.

Jason Hall

A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky