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Pirates Honor Military Men & Women In Special Memorial Day Ceremony

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Anyone who attended the Pirates game Monday night witnessed some special Memorial Day moments to remember those who gave their lives for our country.

And two veterans, one of whom is 99-years-old, were also honored.

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A U.S. Marine Corp. Honor Guard marched on to the field, and there was a moment of silence before the game to remember those who died in the line of duty.

For World War II veteran James Nese of Penn Hills, he remembers the nine people killed when a Japanese plane attacked the ship he was on in 1945.

"I feel so bad for those guys," said Nese. "They lost their lives. They were looking forward to living. I feel sorry for them, and God bless them."

Nese, who is 99-years-old, was honored on the field as the Pirates' Fan of the Game.

Retired Marine Sgt. Donald Gales was also honored. Gales served in both Korea and Vietnam. He won two Purple Hearts.

"Men from either conflict didn't get hardly any recognition when I came home at all," said Sgt. Gales.

But at this game, he was recognized. He threw out the first pitch with his son, also a Marine, at his side.

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