Army National Guard soldiers conduct a flag ceremony before a Major League Baseball game in Houston, Texas, Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011. The troops, from the Texas Army National Guard's Recruiting and Retention Battalion, performed the flag detail as part of a military-focused pregame program hosted by the Houston Astros. As part of the events, approximately 10 Guard recruits were sworn into service; Guard members also performed the national anthem and threw out the first pitch. Texas National Guard units regularly participate in public events like this in order to better connect with the community.