The Calgary Stampeders are very proud to host Canadian Armed Forces Appreciation Day on Monday, Sept. 1 as the Stamps face the Edmonton Eskimos in the annual Labour Day Classic. Kickoff at McMahon Stadium is 2:30 p.m.

The Stampeders will welcome more than 300 guests including Canadian Armed Forces members, family members and veterans to the contest and honour them for their service with the Canadian military. Major General Michael Hood will be a special guest.

“We’re extremely honoured for this opportunity to recognize the Canadian Armed Forces,” said Stampeders president Gordon Norrie. “We know this will be a special day for everyone involved and I’m certain our fans will be anxious to join us in saluting these men and women for their service to the country.”

The combined Canadian Armed Forces Band from HMCS Tecumseh and the Kings Own Calgary Regiment will perform the national anthem along with Canadian Armed Forces vocalist Sergeant Bremault Bamford. As a part of the national anthem ceremony, 40 members of the Canadian Armed Forces will unfurl a 30-by-60-foot Canadian flag on the field.

The anthem will be followed by a CF-18 fighter aircraft flyover.

Yellow ribbons in support of military personnel will adorn the end-zones and special “Support Our Troops” merchandise will be on sale at various tables on the concourse. Commemorative Stampeders military caps will be available for purchase, with all proceeds to be directed to Support Our Troops. A portion of the proceeds from the game’s 50/50 draw will also go to Support Our Troops.

“I would like to sincerely thank the Calgary Stampeders Football Club and their fans for generously hosting and recognizing Canadian Armed Forces members and their families from Western Canada,” said Major General Michael Hood, Director of Staff, Strategic Joint Staff, Canadian Armed Forces. “This game is a great way to strengthen our relationship with the football club and the City of Calgary. Over the years we have developed a close bond with the community and we’re proud to be at this Labour Day Classic game.”

Following the conclusion of the game, uniformed military personnel will be welcomed onto the field where they will receive the opportunity to have a post-game group photo with Stampeders players.