In conjunction with American Airlines and the USO, MGM Resorts International is hosting "A Salute to the Troops," from Nov. 8-12 on Veterans Day weekend.
The five-day event includes a Walk of Gratitude through The Mirage Hotel & Casino upon the group's arrival. There will also be a special welcome dinner, and excursions in and around Las Vegas and southern Nevada. Excursions include CSI: The Experience at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino; Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert at The Mirage; Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay; the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage; and Aviation Nationa at Nellis Air Force Base, among other opportunities.
Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International, said MGM wants to give back to the wounded soldiers who have given so much to protect the country through their service in the military. "This 'Salute to the Troops' weekend is the least we can do for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. We hope they can rest, relax, and take in the sights of Las Vegas," adds Murren.
American Airlines will furnish air travel and other support during "A Salute to the Troops" weekend, while MGM Resorts International and its properties will provide accommodations, meals, entertainment, and other amenities.
The weekend kicks off on Thursday morning, Nov. 8, at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York. The New York Fire Department Bagpipers will perform and there will be a water-cannon salute on the runway. The wounded soldiers will then fly to Washington, D.C., on an American Airlines yellow-ribbon an aircraft named Flagship Freedom. The aircraft will proceed to Reagan National Airport to pick up more soldiers, where they will get another special send-off including a water-cannon salute.
Flagship Freedom will arrive in Las Vegas at McCarran International Airport at 2:45 p.m., where the group will be greeted by a rally of other wounded warriors and guests who have arrived from other locations. After a police escort to The Mirage, they will be welcomed by MGM Resorts employees in a Walk of Gratitude through the resort. That night they will attend the Salute to the Troops Welcome Dinner.
The weekend schedule will also include lunch and live music at Mandalay Bay Beach, a special performance by actor Gary Sinise's Lt. Dan Band, and dinner and show at Excalibur's Tournament of Kings.
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