It’s one of those things that the Dodgers do every year – the Veterans Day Batting Practice event. And if you’ve ever been fortunate enough to attend one of these annual events, you generally leave with an enormous smile on your face and perhaps a lump in your throat and a tear in you eye.

On Friday, the Dodgers invited more than 300 veterans and their families to participate in their seventh annual Veterans Day Batting Practice event at Dodger Stadium.

“This is a great event. As a young kid I was in Little Leagues so it’s great to bring my son out to see how it is being on a [major league] field,” said former U.S. Army Specialist Kevork Douzadjian, a disabled veteran. “My dream was to be a professional baseball player but that dream died out. But as a veteran I’m very honored to be on the grass and the field with the players and getting great exposure and appreciation from the Dodgers.”

Douzadjian, a nearby Pasadena, California resident, served in the Army between 1999 and 2002 and was deployed to Kosovo where he worked as a combat engineer, which he described as a special forces unit for engineers.

“After my deployment to Kosovo and before 9/11 I was injured in Sapper training and ever since then my injury has been getting worse and worse,” said Douzadjian. “That’s why I am attending MBA school to try to get my master’s degree to try to make a living and support my family.”

Former U.S. Army Specialist Kevork Douzadjian with his wife Irina and five year old son Antranik.

Asked who his favorite all-time Dodger is/was, Douzadjian didn’t hesitate for a minute.

“I met Tommy Lasorda once at the Von’s [market] in Pasadena while selling chocolate for a school fundraiser – 50 cents back then, now it’s like two or three dollars – and have been a fan of him ever since,” Douzadjian said. “But as far as a player I’d have to say that my favorite Dodger is Kirk Gibson.”

After a brief introduction ceremony emceed by Dodger Stadium in-game host Jessica Rosales and an outstanding rendition of the National Anthem performed by U.S. Army Sergeant Stephanie Jones, the veterans and their families got to meet Dodgers alum Ron Cey, Billy Ashley and Dennis Powell. They were also treated to a special guest appearance by current Dodgers second baseman Micah Johnson.

“The Dodgers reached out and asked me if I wanted to come out and hang out with the veterans,” Johnson said. “I’m eternally grateful for these guys, they are the most selfless human beings on earth. I see them as heroes. I play baseball, it’s a sport, I’m not making sacrifices, I see my family whenever I want. These guys are gone sometimes longer than four years, or at least not home, and that’s a true sacrifice. I’m single, 25 years old playing a sport for a living, I’m not making sacrifices … I’m ecstatic, I’m so happy to be here. It’s a great day.”

Asked if he comes from a military family, the young Dodger second baseman said yes.

“My grandparents served and I spoke to them often about it. They talked about travelling and living all over, stationed all over,” Johnson said. “I go play a season for six months and I think it’s long, and they had no certainty of what’s next. It’s a sacrifice, like I said.”

Former slugger Billy Ashley echoed what Micah Johnson said.

“It’s great to be out here giving back what little I can to these great people who sacrificed so much for us,” Ashley said. “We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for them.

In addition to on-field batting practice, the vets and their families also got to take some hacks in the Dodgers indoor batting cage, were treated to a tour of historic Dodger Stadium and capped off their day enjoying Dodger Dogs (among other fine treats) in Dodger Stadium’s exclusive Lexus Dugout Club.

Here are several photos from Friday’s Veterans Day Batting Practice event:

Veterans checking in for the Batting Practice event.

Each veteran and family member received a T-shirt commemorating the event.

Although this young Dodgers fan may not remember being in the Dodgers’ dugout on this day, you can bet that his father will never forget.

Former Dodger Billy Ashley sharing a story with one of the more than 300 veterans who attended Friday’s event.

Former Dodgers Ron Cey, Billy Ashley and Dennis Powell clearly enjoyed the Veterans Day Batting Practice event at their old stomping grounds.

U.S. Army Sergeant Stephanie Jones did an outstanding job singing the National Anthem.

A young Dodger fan hoping to play catch with one of the familiar Dodger characters.

Dodgers second baseman Micah Johnson poses for a photo with a couple of young fans.

The main event was taking on-field batting practice at Dodger Stadium under the watchful eye of former Dodger Dennis Powell.

No trip to Dodger Stadium would be complete without a Dodger Dog or two – especially when it’s in the luxurious Lexus Dugout Club.