Watch CBS News

Flyers Honor Veterans At Wells Fargo Center

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --  90-year-old Ralph Herman brought the Wells Fargo Center to their feet.

"It's the most amazing thing I haven't had anything like this ever," Herman says.

The WWII veteran took his hat off to the crowd during the 1st period, shown on the big screen and was awarded his very own Flyers jersey with his name, an honor that brought him to tears.

He's now been home for 79 years, but remembers it like yesterday

"These young boys deserve all the credit," he said.
"He's a good guy and I'm so glad he's home," says Margaret Herman, Ralph's wife.
The Flyers took the ice for warm ups in camouflage in honor of military members past and present as the national anthem was sung.
Military in the arena saluted the color guard... Veterans of past wars.

"I really respect WWII Vietnam vets because they didn't get to come back to what we do," says Marine pilot Captain Stephen Maro.

Before the game Maro, who's just back from deployment, dropped an honorary first puck

"You don't know what you miss until you're back family and friends," he said.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.