On Friday, remember to bring your patriotism along with your love of football to the season opener as Butler faces Shaler at Art Bernardi Stadium.

The Butler Football Hometown Hero program wants to pack the stands with veterans and active military personnel, who will be admitted free, as it honors retired Maj. Gen. Peter Talleri as the 2022 recipient of its award.

It is another opportunity to tell our veterans: “Thank you for your service.”

The general is a hometown hero who is glad to shake your hand and proudly tells all about the influence and effect his hometown — and the people who live there — had on his success. He shares the journey through his life and 34 years of military service by weaving in his Butler connections and experiences and pointing out other hometown heroes such as Admiral Johnathan W. Greenert and Air Force Brig. Gen. Gary L. Salisbury.

He does more than fondly remember his football days at Butler High School. He thanks his teammates, those “hard-nosed sons of a gun” for the tenacity, grit and focus he learned on the field with them as a defensive end.

Gen. Talleri is also quick to acknowledge the importance of his other team — all the men and women who step forward to protect our country. He stresses leading with confidence, because those wearing the uniform deserve the best you can give.

He told the group at the VFW Post 249 in Butler on Monday night that 1% of those who live in the United States have served or are serving their country. A service member at the family table is an essential role model for today’s youth. Our country needs their talents, their service. Our military needs the best of the next generation to step into those boots.

Hometown heroes, all the military veterans, continue to serve their country by standing up and being counted. It allows the community to see neighbors, friends and family among the ranks and know that serving our country is something they are proud of and a path that is possible for county youth. Accepting the thanks of their hometown lets us celebrate that service.

We hope that the stands are filled Friday night with veterans and active military personnel and that fans cheer all our hometown heroes.

— DJS