MGM Resorts International Hosts More Than 60 Wounded Warriors in Las Vegas for Veterans Day Weekend
Las Vegas, November 5, 2012 /3BL Media/ – Wounded warriors from across the United States will be treated like high rollers on Veterans Day weekend as MGM Resorts International, in conjunction with American Airlines and the USO, rolls out the red carpet in Las Vegas.
The five-day event, Nov. 8-12, is “A Salute to the Troops” weekend and includes a Walk of Gratitude through The Mirage Hotel & Casino upon the group’s arrival. There will also be a special welcome dinner, and excursions in and around Las Vegas and southern Nevada. Excursions include CSI: The Experience at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino; Terry Fator: Ventriloquism in Concert at The Mirage; Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay; the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage; and Aviation Nation at Nellis Air Force Base, among other opportunities.
“We know that freedom isn’t free. As a leader in the hospitality industry, we are inspired to give back to our wounded warriors who have given so much to us through their military service,” said Jim Murren, Chairman & CEO of MGM Resorts International. This ‘Salute to the Troops’ weekend is the least we can do for the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. We hope they can rest, relax, and take in the sights of Las Vegas.”
American Airlines will furnish air travel and other support during “A Salute to the Troops” weekend, while MGM Resorts International and its properties will provide accommodations, meals, entertainment, and other amenities.
“Honoring those who serve our country, including their loved ones, is deeply ingrained in the culture at American Airlines,” said Captain John Hale, American’s Vice President of Flight and a U.S. Air Force veteran. “Their dedication and sacrifice for our great nation have made possible the freedoms we enjoy today. It is with deep respect and appreciation that we work to serve them as they serve our country.”
The weekend kicks off on Thursday morning, Nov. 8, at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York. The New York Fire Department Bagpipers will perform and there will be a water-cannon salute on the runway. The wounded warriors will then fly to Washington, D.C., on an American Airlines yellow-ribbon aircraft specially named Flagship Freedom. Flagship Freedom will proceed to Reagan National Airport to pick up more Wounded Warriors, where they will get another special send-off including a water-cannon salute.
Flagship Freedom will arrive in Las Vegas at McCarran International Airport at 2:45 p.m., where the group will be greeted by a rally of other wounded warriors and guests who have arrived from other locations. After a police escort to The Mirage, they will be welcomed by enthusiastic MGM Resorts employees in a Walk of Gratitude through the resort. That night they will attend the Salute to the Troops Welcome Dinner to kick off a weekend of fun.
The weekend schedule will also include lunch and live music at Mandalay Bay Beach, a special performance by actor Gary Sinise's Lt. Dan Band, and dinner and show at Excalibur's Tournament of Kings.
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About MGM Resorts International
MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is one of the world's leading global hospitality companies, operating a peerless portfolio of destination resort brands, including Bellagio, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay and The Mirage. For more information about MGM Resorts International, visit the Company's website at www.mgmresorts.com.
About American Airlines
American Airlines, American Eagle® and the AmericanConnection® carrier serve 260 airports in more than 50 countries and territories with, on average, more than 3,500 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers nearly 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members and members-elect serve more than 900 destinations with more than 9,000 daily flights to 150 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. AMR Corporation common stock trades under the symbol “AAMRQ” on the OTCQB marketplace, operated by OTC Markets Group.
SOURCE MGM RESORTS INTERNATIONAL
For More Information Contact:
Clark Dumont, Vice President – Corporate Communications
Tel: 702-891-1836
cdumont@mgmresorts.com
