The Los Angeles Dodgers were off Thursday, which gave the organization an opportunity to pay tribute to the 13 United States service members who lost their lives in last week’s attack at the Kabul airport in Afghanistan.
Flags were flown at half-staff throughout Dodger Stadium, and the club placed customized jerseys with the fallen troops’ names and the No. 13 on the pitcher’s mound.
The team also announced they will host local family members of the fallen heroes at a future game.
Among the victims was Rancho Cucamonga, California native Dylan Merola. The 20-year-old graduated from Los Osos High School two years ago and was honored Thursday in the city’s Central Park Freedom Courtyard.
Tonight, the Dodgers recognized those affected by last week’s tragic bombing at the Kabul Airport in Afghanistan by flying flags at half-staff at Dodger Stadium and honoring the 13 American servicemembers that lost their lives in service of our country. pic.twitter.com/d6BdsruWu1
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) September 3, 2021
The Dodgers similarly honored thousands of deceased military members last year for Memorial Day by placing red, white and blue lights in the outfield.
Prior to that, Dodger Stadium lit up blue to recognize the thousands of healthcare employees working around the clock at the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Dodgers honor Lasorda with retired number and seat
Earlier this year, the Dodgers honored Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda by flying the flags at Dodger Stadium at half-staff and placing flowers by his No. 2 in the retired numbers plaza.
Lasorda’s jersey number was also painted in center field and on the pitcher’s mound, and the Dodgers kept “Blue Heaven” lit up throughout the night.
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