The longstanding tradition of honoring past and present members of the United States military will be renewed during pre-race ceremonies leading up to the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on Sunday, May 24.
Traditional salutes to the military occupy numerous moments during the one-of-a-kind pageantry of pre-race ceremonies at the Indianapolis 500. Beginning at 11:50 a.m., active military members will march in uniform down the front straightaway, and this year will be joined at the end of their march by a number of World War II veterans.
“Taps” will be played and a military rifle team will fire a volley to honor America’s fallen heroes. Speaking on behalf of our nation’s military during pre-race ceremonies will be Dennis L. Via, Commanding General United States Army Materiel Command.
The winner of season four of NBC’s The Voice in 2013, Danielle Bradbery will sing “America The Beautiful” to honor the country and its troops, with famed actress and singer Florence Henderson performing “God Bless America.” The national anthem will be sung by Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum recording artist and actress Jordin Sparks.
As the national anthem concludes, an A-10C Thunderbolt combat aircraft will soar over the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the traditional pre-race flyover. Provided by the Indiana Air National Guard 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the A-10C Thunderbolt is recognized as the first U.S. Air Force aircraft designed solely for close air support for ground forces. A-10s are commonly referred to by their nickname “Warthog,” and have been in service since the early 1970s.
Also during pre-race ceremonies, world-renowned a cappella group and Atlantic Records recording artists Straight No Chaser will perform “(Back Home Again in) Indiana.” Founded in 1996 at Indiana University-Bloomington, Straight No Chaser will sing the traditional song this year as legendary entertainer Jim Nabors retired after the 2014 race, having performed the song live 35 times since 1972.
The Legend speaks: Saturday at IMS was Legends Day honoring Al Unser presented by Firestone, and the four-time Indianapolis 500 champion participated in an autograph session, a Q&A and vintage pace car laps.
He also drew hearty laughs at the Public Drivers’ Meeting when he joked about trading his place as a speaker for one of the drivers’ seats in the race. He also added some advice.
“Whatever you do, finish the race,” said Unser, the winner in 1970-71, ’78 and ’87. “You can’t win if you don’t finish.”
Also at the meeting, each driver received a ring from Herff-Jones for making the starting field and Ryan Hunter-Reay received his 2014 champion’s ring. Mario Andretti also got laughs from the crowd when he accepted the champion owner’s ring on behalf of Andretti Autosport owner Michael Andretti, who could not attend.
“Too bad Michael’s not here because I’m going to keep it!” Mario said.
A few moments later he accepted the team’s “Baby Borg” trophy and had another quip.
“It’s been a very productive morning for me,” the 1969 Indianapolis 500 champion said.
Get your gear for the 100th: After the checkered flag waves on the 99th Running of the Indianapolis 500, fans can purchase merchandise for next year’s 100th. Various retail shops throughout IMS will have hats, T-shirts, glassware, decals and more.
Merchandise will also be sold in the IMS store at the Indianapolis International Airport.
IMS PR
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