U.S. Open to Host Military Appreciation Day
The USTA and USTA Foundation have announced that they will host the third annual U.S. Open Military Appreciation Day on Monday, Sept. 7, at the 2015 U.S. Open. Military support organization Semper Fi Fund will sponsor a group of wounded military service members and veterans who will be honored during an in-stadium recognition witnessed by a capacity crowd of 24,000 fans in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
As part of the USTA Foundation’s Military Outreach initiative, the U.S. Open will acknowledge the service members for their sacrifice, bravery and courage in the line of duty, and they will be treated to a day of tennis in a luxury suite inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. The military contingent hails from different military branches from around the country, including an army sergeant who is serving as a ballperson for the second time, representing Wounded Warriors at this year’s US Open.
In addition, five military service members will have an opportunity to participate in the ceremonial coin toss, including three members from the Semper Fi group, during the day session matches, and two local military service members from New York City and New Rochelle, N.Y. will have an opportunity to toss the coin just before the final match of the night session.
In support of the day’s celebration, Chase, a U.S. Open sponsor, provided tickets to the USTA Foundation to be distributed to various military affiliated organizations to attend Military Appreciation Day, including USO New York, Naval Weapons Station Earle, the U.S. Coast Guard and attendees from this year’s “Warrior and Family Tennis Days” hosted by USTA Foundation and Johnson and Johnson.
“Military Appreciation Day at the U.S. Open is truly one the best annual traditions at the tournament, and we’re thrilled to honor those who have bravely sacrificed for our country,” said Dan Faber, USTA Foundation executive director. “The USTA Foundation is proud to partner with Semper Fi Fund and Chase to bring a great day of tennis to many of our nation’s military service men, women, veterans and their families. We are also honored to offer year-round tennis initiatives and programs to reach, support and provide services to our heroes.”
The USTA Foundation is committed to providing an opportunity for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans and their families to use the sport of tennis to help integrate back into their communities and with their families. To date, more than 200,000 service members and their families have been impacted by the USTA Foundation’s military initiative.
