The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will continue its tradition of honoring the United States Armed Forces during the Month of May through a variety of activities and ceremonies at the 91st Indianapolis 500.
One of the highlights of the tribute is Armed Forces Day on Sunday, May 20, the “Bump Day” of final qualifying for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. ”
Military members in uniform or with a valid military ID will be admitted to the track free of charge that day. U.S. Senator Richard Lugar (R-Ind. ) will preside over an enlistment ceremony during which men and women will officially be inducted into the U. S. military.
Indianapolis 500 race cars and race team equipment also will carry decals for the “America Supports You” program on Armed Forces Day. IMS and the U. S. Department of Defense have teamed up to honor the troops through “America Supports You, ” a nationwide initiative to showcase and communicate America’s support for the United States Armed Forces and their families, for the third consecutive year.
The military also will take a prominent role in pre-race ceremonies on Race Day, Sunday, May 27.
Hundreds of troops will take a lap in a Chevrolet vehicle or march on the famed 2.5-mile IMS oval, and service personnel from the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard will sing the national anthem shortly before the race.
