The new Atlanta Falcons’ Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which will house Super Bowl LIII in 2019, could have a special area to commemorate military veterans.
“I want, in our new stadium, a `Hall of Heroes,'” AMB Group’s Steve Cannon, a former veteran stationed in Germany, told Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com. “How many heroes are there in the state of Georgia that have served across the country? I was just talking to one guy and he’s been deployed nine times – six times to Afghanistan and three times to Iraq. Think about that. He’s been deployed away from his family for four years of his life. That kind of sacrifice and what he’s doing for you and for me needs to be honored not just with an in-game ceremony.”
The stadium is currently being constructed and is expected to be completed by June of 2017, per the report. Head coach Dan Quinn is a huge supporter of the United States military and appears to be sold on Cannon’s plans.
“We’ve talked a lot about the respect that we have for the soldiers,” Quinn said. “[My wife] and I are involved in a program as well. For us here in Georgia, next to Texas, we’re probably the biggest population of military people. So, I’m totally on board with that.”
This is a commendable idea, especially considering a point Cannon made, that Georgia has the most military personnel per capita than any other state in the U.S.
The NFL singles out the month of November in which to honor the millions of United States current and former military service personnel. Now, this could be something that happens each time anybody sets foot in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Walking through Cannon’s “Hall of Heroes” once it is completed would send chills while reminding us of those brave men and women who risk their lives every day to serve our country.