Monday night, reverence and respect for the nine victims killed during the murderous rampage in the Oregon District made accomplishing that task easier.
Between games of a double-header, silence enveloped Fifth Third Field as each Dragons starting position player walked to home plate and laid a white rose on it as the name of each victim was read over the public address system.
Manager Luis Bolivar then picked up the flowers and handed them to Mayor Nan Whaley. She was accompanied by first responders who were on the scene during the deadly mass shooting.
Everyone in the stadium remained silent during the nearly three-minute ceremony.
>> Dragons accepting donations for Oregon District Tragedy Fund
Fans were understandably touched by the ceremony, which included stadium banners in the outfield and on the scoreboards that read “#Dayton Strong.”
“It just means a lot for our family to be out with friends and family and be surrounded by community,” said one, Char McKeel.
About the Author