For the 10th year, golf courses around the United States are teaming up this weekend with Folds of Honor to host Patriot Golf Day. The event, which runs from Sept. 1-4, raises money to provide tuition and tutoring to families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty.
The event was conceived by Major Dan Rooney. When returning from a tour of duty in Iraq, Rooney observed the remains of a fallen soldier reunited with his family, particularly the soldier’s young son. As the casket was removed from the plane, those on board were asked to respectfully stay seated; unfortunately, Rooney noticed half the passengers ignored the request. The moment spurred Rooney, who wanted to not only give back to those who didn’t make it back, but to keep the services of the military in the mind of the public.