CHARLOTTE, N.C. β While NASCAR’s drivers will try and put on a show on Sunday night at the Coca-Cola 600, the pre-race show is always something to remember.
And it serves to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
A host of military appreciation activities and performances will precede the races, which as always takes place on Memorial Day Weekend.
A military appreciation spectacular.
That will include the appearance of hundreds of servicemembers, patriotic music, helicopters and a 105 mm howitzer demonstration.
George Lutz, who’s son George Anthony Lutz was killed in Iraq in 2005, it’s a place that he visits every year.
“We know that NASCAR has some of the greatest patriotic fans in America. They understand sacrifice, and understand patriotism.”
Following the loss of his son, Lutz founded national nonprofit “Honor and Remember,” which tries to recognize the sacrifice of America’s fallen service members and their families through support and unique experiences for Gold Star families.
“Charlotte Motor Speedway have realized that together we can send the same message of thanks,” Lutz said. “Not just in memory of those who gave their lives, but to their families and those that are still here with us grieving.”
Lutz recently wrote a book about his experience, titled “Tragedy to Tribute: One Father’s Grief Fuels a Passionate Journey to Change the Mindset of a Nation.“
600 Miles of Remembrance
Like every year, each of the 40 cars in the field will display the name of a fallen servicemember on its windshield. And at the 200-mile mark, the race pauses for a moment of silence to honor the fallen and their families.
On Alex Bowman’s No. 48 car will be the name Mike Kempel.
Kempel was killed in action in Vietnam in 1970, while attempting to save the lives of his fellow Marines.Β
He was awarded a Silver Star.
Contact Nick Carboni atΒ ncarboni@wcnc.comΒ and follow him onΒ Facebook,Β XΒ andΒ Instagram.
You can stream WCNC Charlotte on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, just download the free WCNC+ app to get the news that impacts you.
