CHICAGO – Justin Verlander will be wearing a poppy flower to the ballpark Monday.
He will enter Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., wearing it in honor of Memorial Day, a holiday which has resonated more with the Detroit Tigers’ ace since he attended Old Dominion, located close to the country’s largest Naval base in Norfolk, Va.
“It represents those who have fallen,” Verlander said. “We wear the poppy to remember those who have sacrificed the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”
The Detroit Tigers’ ace, through his nonprofit charity Wins For Warriors Foundation, partnering with the United Services Automobile Association, is aiming to raise awareness about the symbolism of the poppy flower.
Verlander wore the poppy flower for a commercial, which aired on televisions across the country throughout the weekend.
“I thought it was a perfect opportunity,” he said. “This is something that I’m passionate about and I want to bring recognition to. Any way I can help bring awareness or partner with anybody, I’ll do.”
Since 2011, Verlander has hosted over 4,000 veteran families at Comerica Park. His charity, Wins For Warriors, is designed to empower military veterans with a strong focus on family-bonding activities.
Verlander invites you to join the conversation online by dedicating a virtual poppy flower for a fallen veteran at www.poppyinmemory.com.
“Memorial Day is about remembrance,” he said. “It’s an honor to wear the poppy.”
Contact Anthony Fenech: afenech@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @anthonyfenech.
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