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.
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.
