The Pittsburgh Steelers will be honoring military veterans through a number of pregame and in-game activities during tonight's game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. and all gates will open at 6:30 p.m.
Tonight's matchup will mark the Steelers "Salute to Service" game in which a number of events and activities will take place in honoring Veterans Day and the military. The following is a list of the many events in honor of Veterans Day:
- The USAA will perform a stadium-wide 'Card Stunt' in which all fans will take part in at the beginning of the National Anthem. Fans will be prompted to hold up the cards on cue.
- There will be a military flyover immediately following the National Anthem. It is being conducted in honor of Lt. Col. Christopher "Otis" Raible, an Irwin native who was killed in Afghanistan in September of this year.
- Zambelli Fireworks will be on display prior to kickoff and following the military flyover.
- On-field presentation honoring veterans including a Pearl Harbor survivor, a European World War II veteran and a Tuskegee Airman, Korean War veteran, Vietnam War veteran, Desert Storm/Desert Shield War veteran, Iraq War veteran and Afghanistan War veteran.
- The honored veterans will stand on the Steelers sidelines during the National Anthem.
- Camouflage banners will be visible throughout Heinz Field.
- A USAA commemorative coin will be used for the coin toss in honor of Veterans Day.
- Boy scouts will be holding a field flag during the National Anthem, the USAA Card Stunt and the Flyover.
- The Military Funeral Honor Guard of the VFW Post 1810 in Brentwood will serve as Monday's Color Guard.
Additionally, Steelers fans can visit www.millionfansalute.com to create a digital salute in honor of the U.S. military through Nov. 26. The three NFL markets with the most salutes will earn rewards from USAA for their local military community.
NOTES: Tonight's game marks the 120th anniversary of the first official professional football game as the Allegheny Athletic Association, led by William "Pudge" Heffelfinger, beat the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, 7-0, on Nov. 12, 1892. Heffelfinger's $500 paycheck to play in the game is on display at the Gridiron Glory Exhibit at Pittsburgh's Heinz History Center.
