CONCORD, N.C. — Charlotte Motor Speedway will continue its long-standing tradition of paying tribute to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces during the 61st running of the Coca-Cola 600 this weekend.
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“While the pandemic has forced us to change a lot about what makes Memorial Day Weekend so special, one thing it cannot change is our resolve to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms as well as those who continue the fight today,” said Greg Walter, executive vice president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway.
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This year’s celebration will include both virtual and at-track performances such as:
• U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper virtually sharing the 2020 “State of Freedom” address as part of the pre-race show.
• A virtual performance of the national anthem by Edward Schrank, a five-time head and neck cancer survivor who suffered chemical exposure while serving 15 years in the United States Marine Corps.
• A live flyover by the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation featuring two vintage P-51 Mustang warbirds flying alongside modern USAF F-16 and F-22 fighter attack jets.
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• Active-duty servicemen and women offering video messages of support on behalf of each branch of service for Memorial Day Weekend.
• The U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg executing a virtual 21-gun salute.
• A performance of “Taps” by United States Coast Guard Band Chief Musician Gino Villarreal.
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In addition, as part of the 600 Miles of Remembrance, each driver in the race will carry the name of a fallen service member across the windshield of their car and near the mid-point of the race, NASCAR will instruct all drivers to pilot their cars down pit road and stop for a moment of remembrance in honor of all members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have sacrificed their lives to protect America’s freedom.
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Pre-race highlights will also include a virtual performance of “Amazing Grace” by the Charlotte Fire Department Pipes and Drums Band, and the Rev. Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, will offer the virtual invocation.
Last month, NASCAR announced that the race would be held as originally scheduled but without fans in attendance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Pre-race coverage of the Coca-Cola 600 will begin at 6 p.m. Sunday on Fox.