Commentary: Thanks to NASCAR – and the entire sports world – for Memorial Day Reminders
We start tonight with the best tribute the sports world could make on Memorial Day Weekend.
Fan of the sport of NASCAR or not, their commitment to honoring our military – and service members who have sacrificed their lives for our country – is unparalleled and incredibly touching.
Today’s Coca Cola 600 was NASCAR’s launch of “An American Salute” for troops, veterans and their families, which runs through the weekend of July 4th. Charlotte Motor Speedway hosted more than six thousand active military members for the race this week, and each racetrack for the next seven weeks will do the same.
But I haven’t seen a better move than each race team paying tribute to a fallen soldier by putting their name on the car. In fact, many race teams chose whose name to display, thanks to a personal connection to the victim.
They called it 600 Miles of Remembrance – but the impact and exposure went much further than that.
FOX Sports even went so far as to recognize every service member who lost his or her life in the past year by displaying their names on the air.
At some time or another, we’re all reminded what this weekend is all about. But the sports world consistently – and appropriately – embraces that responsibility of honoring our military heroes and prompting all of us to pay our respects. From the wonderful tributes and displays at the Indy 500, an annual Memorial Day Tradition…. To the American Flag waiving on the 18th hole of the PGA Colonial in Fort Worth, Texas…. It is an honor to be associated with a medium that understands its obligation on this weekend to its viewers nationwide.
This weekend is also an opportunity to thank the high-profile athletes, coaches and organizations who understand how much influence their opinions might bring.
From the Seahawks, embracing a story like former Green Beret Nate Boyer, and giving him a chance to earn a spot on the team….
To even Jim Harbaugh, whose tweet last month played an influential role in the University of Michigan reversing a decision to not show the movie “American Sniper” to its students. “Michigan Football will watch American Sniper!” Harbaugh tweeted. “Proud of Chris Kyle and Proud to be an American & if that offends anybody so be it!” The University relented, and showed the movie after all.
Props to Harbaugh for sticking to his instinct – and not backing down.
Because, in essence, that’s what this weekend is all about – honoring our country’s heroes, and remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
So thanks to the sport of NASCAR – and thanks to everyone else in the sports world – who embrace that important role on Memorial Day weekend - those who help make us even more proud of our country.