Foxborough Veterans Enjoy "Awe-Inspiring" Moment At Patriots Game

FOXBOROUGH, MA — A weekend of gratitude towards those who have served and sacrificed for their country wrapped up in the most exciting way possible for 150 servicemen and women.

As part of their annual salute to service, the New England Patriots hosted a group of veterans prior to Sunday night’s game at Gillette Stadium against the Seattle Seahawks. In addition to the traditional dinner, the veterans had a chance to bring out a field-sized American flag for a pregame ceremony and National Anthem.

“This is obviously a very special event for everyone involved,” Pete Curran, a Marines veteran and Foxborough resident said before the game. “To get the complimentary tickets is outstanding. This shows that this is one of the best organizations in football.”

For the Foxborough residents in attendance, the evening was made more special by their connection to the team and stadium. For many residents, it’s easy for a drive by the stadium to become routine and part of the background. What the veterans were treated to Sunday night was anything but that.

“It makes it that much more special. I've lived her my whole life. It's a big deal to be on the field next to the players,” Foxborough native and U.S. Army veteran Christopher Solbo said.

For Solbo, the stadium was the best place to be. Thinking about his past deployments, he said there wasn’t really a moment when it hit him that he was going to be on an NFL field during a showcase game.

“(The ceremony) isn't as scary as my last deployment. I was in charge of civilians and commanders, this is a piece of cake,” he said.

Other veterans said it hadn't hit them that they were about to take part in the ceremony.

"It's not going to hit me until we get out there," Curran said.

"It's not going to hit me until we get out there," Foxborough native and paratrooper Brian Kelly said.

Solbo’s mother-in-law, Karen Veccione of Quincy was in awe of the gathering and the chance to socialize before the game. An Operation Desert Storm vet, she recalled that there was nothing similar when she returned from the Middle East.

“I can't even explain it. It's so awe-inspiring,” she said. “Just to see the multiple representations of all the branches.”

The friendly jokes and socializing between the military groups was part of the dinner, as pointed out by Kelly.

“We've had the banter going back and forth and all the goofy stuff like who has the harder job. It's truly a brotherhood and coming together like this is amazing,” he said.

What happened after dinner was truly a salute to service. In addition to the flag, a military band entertained the crowd at halftime and a rendition of God Bless America was performed between the third and fourth quarters.

Cover image provided by Jeremie Smith/New England Patriots. Group photo taken by Dan Libon (Patch Staff