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Nov 15, 2009 11:12 pm US/Eastern
Astronaut, Soldiers Honored At Steelers Game
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
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NASA astronaut and Emsworth native Mike Finke recieved a jersey before the Steelers game.
KDKA
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U.S. Army Purple Heart recipients were honored by the Steelers as part of "Operation Once in a Lifetime."
KDKA
The Steelers Nation was treated to pre-game ceremonies Sunday that honored an astronaut and America's bravest.
The festivities had Terrible Towel-waving fans packing into Heinz Field early.
Astronaut and Emsworth native Mike Fincke's Terrible Towel ceremony kicked off all the action.
"This is the same towel I had aboard the Space Station," said Fincke. "And today we get a chance to give it back to the fans. I'm so excited. It's almost as cool as flying in space."
In return, the Steelers gave Fincke a special jersey with the number 18 on it in honor of Expedition 18. He also got a new Terrible Towel.
Afterwards, a Veteran's Day recognition ceremony was held.
U.S. Army Purple Heart recipients were honored by the Steelers' Troy Polamalu as part of "Operation Once in a Lifetime," which grant's wishes for the military.
"It's amazing - the Steelers embraced us, Pittsburgh embraced us," said U.S. Army Sgt. Patrick Sowers.
Then, two F-18's gave a heart pounding flyover that shook fans right out of their seats.
The unit who preformed the flyover was also the same unit who gave Afghanistan a birds-eye view of the Terrible Towel.
"Flew it over Afghanistan while the Super Bowl was going on - we were actually flying a combat mission over Afghanistan last year," said Lt. Dave Cassalia, of the Strike Fighter Squadron 213.
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Steelers Black & Gold FANatics '09
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