In the final event of a month-long celebration of America’s service men and women, the Philadelphia 76ers, in partnership with Toyota, local military bases and organizations, welcomed servicemembers and their families aboard the Battleship New Jersey for a Thanksgiving dinner.
On Thursday, Nov. 21, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse, joined by players Reggie Jackson, Ricky Council IV, Adem Bona, and even Franklin, the team’s mascot, aided staff members from the 76ers in serving the meal while Sixers In-Arena host Lee Farrell led the live entertainment throughout the evening with the help of Squad 76.
After serving some local servicemembers and their families, Sixers’ guard Reggie Jackson spoke with the media about the event and the importance of serving those who serve us in the military.
“It’s always great give back to those who do so much was good for us,” Jackson said. “especially protect our freedoms. It’s always amazing. My dad [served in] the Air Force, 20-plus years, so I’m always grateful to be trying to give blessing to those who are blessing to myself, and, like I said, to our United States. Great turnout, it was amazing, I did not expect this. I was coming to the ship. So that was very great man getting to be with Ricky Council and Adem Bona, shared a moment with them and coach, it was very fun.
Jackson was then asked about the importance of supporting the next generation of military children, as he is the child of a service member.
“It’s great, I see a lot of myself and them; understanding that it’s a moment off from normal, everyday life, especially from your parent being gone, never knowing when they’ll be there, [with the] work hours. A lot of people don’t understand what their lifestyle is for a military family or a military kid, so understanding it, it’s just a joy to see them, get to spend some time with their parent and just some sure hours, certain hours that they gotta do they hang out their family and get away for a little time, while somebody else is taking us.”
During the month of November, the 76ers, along with Toyota, hosted their “Stars & Stripes” initiative, which recognized the brave men and women who have and continue to serve our country. On Nov. 13, during the 76ers game against Cleveland, the team and Toyota held their annual Military Appreciation Night, where they recognized more than 500 active and retired servicemen and women.
Before that game, the organization hosted the children of service men and women for a basketball clinic, where they were joined by 76ers Alum Marc Jackson who helped coach the children during the clinic.
The Philadelphia 76ers have continued to show their dedication to supporting the many men and women in the United States armed forces. While this is the final event in November’s “Stars & Stripes” initiative, it’s certainly not the last time the Sixers will work to uplift both the military community and the Greater Philadelphia community.
