U.S. Senate candidate Becky Edwards (R-UT) is teaming up with former college football coach Ron McBride to honor 10 military veterans, first responders and their guests at a private event on September 11th in Provo, UT ahead of Utah’s premier college football rivalry game.
The event marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks and is intended to honor those veterans and workers who serve their local communities despite high risks and cultural and political differences. The rivalry game between the two universities will serve to highlight the need to come together despite strong differences and competitive rivalry.
“The service and heroism of our first responders and veterans continues to inspire me. I want to bring together veterans from all backgrounds and provide an opportunity for them to enjoy themselves and be recognized,” said Edwards, who is the daughter-in-law of former college football coach LaVell Edwards. “We felt the rivalry game on the anniversary of 9/11 would be a perfect showcase for those who served selflessly despite their differences, whether those differences were of race or religion, or simply of college football loyalty.”
McBride and the late LaVell Edwards were well known as friends off the field despite a passionate and heated rivalry on the field. Becky Edwards is hoping to highlight this aspect of their relationship and draw a parallel to first responders and veterans as people with characteristics everyone can emulate.
The Edwards campaign is asking Utahns from across the state to nominate those veterans, first responders, and front-line healthcare workers that inspire them, who have served selflessly both at home and abroad. Those who nominate their heroes are encouraged to invite friends and family to vote for those stories they find most inspiring. Submissions and voting will be open until Thursday, September 9th at 11:59 pm.
Winning nominees will receive special college football memorabilia, tickets to the rivalry game, and an invitation to a pre-game event at the home of Patti and LaVell Edwards in Provo. Guests at the pre-game event will mingle with Becky, her husband John, and Coach McBride and his wife, Vicky. Winners will be treated to an insiders’ view into the lives of two legendary football coaches and be able to participate in Edwards’ and McBride’s gameday traditions, including Patti Edward’s famous gameday stew.
To nominate or vote for veterans, first responders, and front-line healthcare workers, participants should visit Honoring those who Serve
