WELLINGTON MARA, LATE OWNER
For our 100th Season, we posthumously nominate Wellington Mara, the late New York Giants owner, for the NFL's Salute to Service Award after he spent his life honoring, empowering and connecting with service members, veterans and their families. Mara's only long-term absence from the Giants in his 81-year affiliation was when he served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. As a lieutenant, he was in command of 30 men and spent 40 months at sea between the USS Santee, an escort carrier that engaged in combat with enemy naval forces in the South Atlantic, and the USS Randolph, which was stationed in the south pacific. Lieutenant Mara earned numerous honors during his service, including the American Theater Medal, the European–African–Middle Eastern Medal (two Service Stars), the Asiatic–Pacific Medal (five Service Stars), the Philippine Liberation Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Presidential Unit Medal. In 1945, Mr. Mara was relieved from active duty and was promoted to lieutenant commander in 1949. He retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1956. These experiences became the driving force behind the franchise's military-related programming over the decades. The Giants empower each branch of the military community through events, initiatives, and contributions. In fact, the Giants hosted wounded veterans at games during World War II. Relationships have always been important to Mara, who actively connected with those he served alongside and maintained contact with them throughout his post-war life. Football has always been a way for people, especially military members, to connect over a shared love of the game, the New York Giants have Wellington Mara to thank for that.