While the Preds hold nightly salutes to military members during each home game, Predators President and CEO Sean Henry said such a week is an opportunity for the hockey team and the Nashville Predators Foundation to better honor those who protect this country and make such activities possible.
"They sacrifice for all of us, oftentimes at the sacrifice of their own families," Henry said. "If we don't get together and celebrate them, thank them and tangibly show it by leveraging the passion our fans have for our logo, then we're not living the right way."
U.S. Armed Forces vehicles greeted fans on the Bridgestone Arena Plaza all week, and each game has featured several salutes to active service members and military veterans alike.
Thursday's ceremony celebrated Huber's 38 years of active duty with the Army Special Forces Green Berets. Henry presented Huber and Haston with specialized Nashville jerseys bearing their military call signs.
Huber's No. 3 jersey read "H3," while Haston's No. 6 was emblazoned with "Volunteer."
"It's great to live in a country and know that we're protected and have the right to do things like professional sports, bring communities together and live the life that we all live," said NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, who was on hand as part of a separate lifetime achievement celebration for Preds General Manager David Poile. "We do not have that without your service."
Military appreciation ceremonies are among the many community-oriented events the Preds emphasize throughout the year. And among the most important, Henry added.
"You'd be cold inside if it didn't change you. It's the best thing we do," he said. "Winning games is wonderful, booking shows is great, watching people's careers grow is wonderful, but it all pales in comparison by knowing we can change the community by engaging our players and their generosity."
