[ISF]

I would just like to briefly urge everyone to take a moment or two out of your upcoming weekend festivities to reflect upon the true reason for this holiday that seems to go hand in hand with the sport that we all love so much. I reckon maybe we have the original organizers of the Indianapolis 500 to thank for that.

We will be safely and somewhat comfortably located once again in the Northwest Vista at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway anticipating the start of the Greatest Spectacle In Racing once again.

We are able to enjoy this yearly Spring ritual thanks to so many freely giving what Abraham Lincoln described way back on November 19, 1863 at Gettysburg as "The Last Full Measure Of Devotion".

When they play taps prior to the start of the 96th Indy 500 I will need to be wearing my sunglasses. As is the case every year we will once again be reminded of the overwhelming pain and suffering so many had to endure so we would be blessed with the opportunity to enjoy this event over the years. We will also say a short silent prayer for those Fathers, Mothers, Sisters, Brothers, Wives, Husbands, Sons, Daughters and friends who has had a loved one taken from them while that loved one was selflessly doing their part to insure our precious way of life is preserved for future generations. During those moments the race itself seems somewhat frivolous and insignificant.

But it won't be long 'till "The Command" is given and our thoughts and attention revert back to the racing at hand. But for those moments I try to pay solemn homage in my own small way to those for which the Memorial Day Holiday was set aside for.

I would urge each of you, in your own small way, sometime during the holiday weekend, to do the same.

Everyone have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day, and let's go racin'!!