My friend Paul/Preflash Gordon, the one who got me started on Roller Derby, also happens to be the photographer for the St. Paul Saints. Always one eager to share his enthusiasm for anything, he’d been trying to lure me to a game with promises of a media pass. I kept meaning to go but never setting an actual date but when he mentioned that Thursday night’s game would be followed by fireworks, I jumped.
The “Ushertainer,” The Nerd and Mascot Mudonna.
Before the game, they honored women who have served in the military, from Afghanistan and Iraq, all the way back to WWII. These are all women who have served at some time or another.
The woman on the left (the one holding the ball, not to be confused with Paul who is walking into my shot ;) ) was an Air Force pilot in WWII. The crowd applause when they announced that was amazing. The names of the other women and the wars that they served in can be found here.
WWII fighter planes in missing man formation, or missing woman formation as they declared it for the game. The plane breaking away symbolizes all the women who have lost their lives while serving.
The colorguard during the singing of the National Anthem.
This photo makes me laugh a little because what exactly is going on?
Afterwards, there were fireworks just beyond centerfield. They let fans come down and sit in the outfield to view them. I have to say, there’s something a bit more patriotic about seeing fireworks over a baseball field.
And now I am off to prepare for my own Fourth of July celebration – a cookout and bonfire in my backyard. Have a happy holiday, everyone!
