KC Reporter

For the tenth consecutive year, the Kansas City Chiefs will honor members of the United States Armed Forces during their annual "Salute to Service" game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. The event, scheduled for Monday night, coincides with a high-profile matchup between two teams that reached the playoffs last season.

The Chiefs have a longstanding tradition of supporting military personnel and their families. Their efforts include visits to military bases, scholarships for Gold Star families, community outreach events, Military Appreciation Day at training camp, and draft announcements from military locations.

This year’s "Salute to Service" game will feature players wearing special patches during pre-game warmups. The patches are designed to celebrate the 250th anniversaries of the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy. Players can choose from three different patch designs, each representing one of these branches with its respective logo and camouflage pattern.

The practice of wearing commemorative patches began in 2016 when the Chiefs honored Gold Star families by wearing sweatshirts bearing the names of veterans who lost their lives in service. Afterward, these sweatshirts were given to the families as a gesture of remembrance.

In subsequent years, the team has recognized various aspects of military history through its patches and apparel. Past themes have included honoring local military units, marking significant anniversaries such as the end of World War I and II, recognizing those who served in recent conflicts like the Global War on Terrorism, and celebrating key moments such as Operation Linebacker I & II and milestones related to specific branches or events.

According to the organization: "This particular contest – which will serve as the Chiefs' annual 'Salute to Service' game – is about the real heroes in our community."

Another statement from the release emphasized: "It's a commitment that's woven into the fabric of the franchise, and not just in the metaphorical sense. In fact, the Chiefs will once again wear an honorary patch during pre-game warmups on Monday night that celebrate our Armed Forces as part of the Chiefs Military Mission presented by G.E.H.A."

Reflecting on past traditions: "It began with the intent of recognizing Gold Star families in 2016, as the Chiefs wore custom sweatshirts that each bore the name of a different veteran who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country prior to Kansas City's matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The hoodies were then gifted back to the loved ones of those veterans, culminating in an impactful gesture of remembrance that spawned a series of similar endeavors in the years since."

Over time, this initiative has grown into an important part of how Kansas City honors service members during football season.