NASCAR Honors its Hero's
There are plenty of things which NASCAR, rightfully or not, gets criticized for. They are far from perfect. The one thing that the France family and the top heads at NASCAR Headquarters gets right is its respect and admiration for the armed services. While other sports will pay their respects to our fallen brothers and sisters this Memorial Day Weekend and then will move on with little or no fanfare, outside of the playing of the National Anthem the rest of their seasons. In NASCAR it’s a different story and it makes me proud to be associated with the sport.
On Sundays and an occasional Saturday night when NASCAR takes center stage, they always remember the veterans both past and present. Present day solders can be seen all over the track infield and pit road area enjoying some well-earned VIP treatment.
At most tracks, the prerace ceremony includes a swearing in ceremony where young people, eager to serve their country, are inducted into their particular branch of the military in front of thousands of admiring citizens. It always gives me chills to be a part of this. Cool stuff.
A race will not start until a parade of armed service heroes are loaded into jeeps and fancy convertible cars decorated with the Stars and Stripes, and given a slow ride around the entire track. Thousands of race fans stand up and recognize them for all that they have done and continue to do for all of us. NASCAR fans understand the sacrifice they make for our benefit.
Week after week NASCAR puts our men and women in uniform on the center stage. Now only a small percentage of our military personal enjoy the perks of race day but these folks represent the hundreds of thousands around the world with honor. When we NASCAR fans put our hands together for these select few we are also clapping for all the men and women in uniform everywhere.
And these activities are not just reserved for Memorial Day. These activities are a staple at every race day throughout the NASCAR season. NASCAR gets it!
A poem by C W Johnson captures the emotion of the day far greater than I ever could.
We walked among the crosses Where our fallen soldiers lay. And listened to the bugle As TAPS began to play.
The Chaplin led a prayer We stood with heads bowed low. And I thought of fallen comrades I had known so long ago. They came from every city Across this fertile land. That we might live in freedom. They lie here 'neath the sand. I felt a little guilty My sacrifice was small. I only lost a little time But these men lost their all. For this Memorial Day. To the names upon these crosses I just want to say, Thanks for what you've given No one could ask for more. May you rest with God in heaven From now through evermore.
As we all enjoy the race, the picnics, and our family gathering let’s all take a moment and reflect to the men and women who can’t enjoy the race, the picnics and family gatherings. For it was and is their sacrifice which allows us to enjoy these special days. We should always remember.
