BAKERSFIELD, CA - Friday marked the 5th annual Military Appreciation Day for Centennial High School. It was a very special day for one of the varsity baseball team's pitchers.
Centennial's colors are red and gold, but the team wore camouflage jerseys to honor our local servicemen and women. Senior pitcher Corbin Burnes shared the field with his grandfather who was honored during the pre-game ceremony.
"I had my grandpa and great-grandpa fight in the war, so my grandpa in Vietnam and my great-grandpa fought in World War II," Burnes said. "It's great to get out here and recognize them."
Corbin accepted an award for his late great-grandfather. But, it was his grandfather, Thomas, who says he's never been honored like he was Friday.
"You come home from Vietnam. You don't get honored like they're coming home now from Afghanistan. It's not the same show," Thomas Burnes explained.
Thomas Burnes played baseball in college before following in his father's footsteps to join the Army. He served for 20 years and was awarded a Bronze Star and an Air Medal for his meritorious efforts during the war.
But now, he's a loyal fan of his grandson who plays baseball and golf for Centennial, and he couldn't be prouder.
"It feels real good," Burnes said. "I've followed him ever since he's been playing ball since he was little. He's a good kid and I'm just thankful everything's going good."
After graduation, Corbin is set to go to Saint Mary's College to play baseball. Although he never really considered joining the service, he says he's very thankful to all who have served our country.
Centennial's colors are red and gold, but the team wore camouflage jerseys to honor our local servicemen and women. Senior pitcher Corbin Burnes shared the field with his grandfather who was honored during the pre-game ceremony.
"I had my grandpa and great-grandpa fight in the war, so my grandpa in Vietnam and my great-grandpa fought in World War II," Burnes said. "It's great to get out here and recognize them."
Corbin accepted an award for his late great-grandfather. But, it was his grandfather, Thomas, who says he's never been honored like he was Friday.
"You come home from Vietnam. You don't get honored like they're coming home now from Afghanistan. It's not the same show," Thomas Burnes explained.
Thomas Burnes played baseball in college before following in his father's footsteps to join the Army. He served for 20 years and was awarded a Bronze Star and an Air Medal for his meritorious efforts during the war.
But now, he's a loyal fan of his grandson who plays baseball and golf for Centennial, and he couldn't be prouder.
"It feels real good," Burnes said. "I've followed him ever since he's been playing ball since he was little. He's a good kid and I'm just thankful everything's going good."
After graduation, Corbin is set to go to Saint Mary's College to play baseball. Although he never really considered joining the service, he says he's very thankful to all who have served our country.