Yesterday I attended the 98th running of the Indianapolis 500 aka The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. I attended my first 500 in 1992 and I've been to almost every one since that time. It's an amazing event and I'd like for everyone to be able to experience it at least once. The racing is fantastic! There's the roar of the engines, the breath taking passes, cars going over 200 mph into a turn, the heartbreaking crashes. Everything culminate to a spectacular photo finish with one driver making his way to Victory Lane for the traditional drink of milk.
While all of that is truly spectacular and an amazing experience to be a part of, it's the pre-race ceremonies that make this event something that I'd like everyone to experience. First of all you have to realize that there are an estimated 300,000 people at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on race day. Yes, 300,000 people gathered for one sporting event! The Speedway is massive! You could fit Churchill Downs, Yankee Stadium, the Rose Bowl, the Roman Colosseum and
Vatican City all can fit inside the 253 acre IMS oval. Now picture 300,000 race fans (some of them pretty rowdy) silent. Silent and respectful for the pre-race ceremonies that include the singing of God Bless America. Silent as the Invocation is given. You could hear a pin drop when Taps is played by one lone bugler. I'm moved to tears every year as these traditional pre-race ceremonies are performed. I don't think that I'm alone.
We live in a day and age where it seems that all we hear about is Political Correctness. We've removed God from so many places "so as not to offend" anyone. Yet, He is very much a part of the race day tradition of the Indianapolis 500. It's wonderful to be in a crowd of 300,00 people for the singing of God Bless America and the Invocation where God's sovereignty is acknowledged and His protection for all participants sought. During these moments before each Indianapolis 500 I'm always go grateful to be an American.
God Bless you and this great nation!
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