The day started with the Folds of Honor Friday Opening Ceremony presented by Compliance Solutions. The program included the Presentation of Colors and Flag Folding Ceremony by the Scott Air Force Base Fire Department Color Guard, the National Anthem sung by NFL Hall of Famer Jackie Smith, a patriotic skydive by the Legacy Expeditions Parachute Demonstration Team, a ceremonial first tee shot by a Folds of Honor scholarship recipient, and remarks from tournament and sponsor representatives, Governor Mike Kehoe, and Rocky Sickmann, former United States Marine Corps Sergeant and P.O.W. during the Iranian Hostage Crisis.