Dear Parents and Friends of St. Michael’s School,
Watching the Indy 500 on the last Sunday in May is a tradition for many people, not only in the United States, but around the world. Simon Pagenaud was the victor of the 103
rd
running of the race this year. I am not a die-hard car racing enthusiast but I do enjoy watching this race, and in 2012, I was one of 300,000 people to experience it live at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The 500-mile race is the world’s oldest and most prestigious. As in all sporting events, the talent of the athletes/drivers is amazing as 33 cars race a 2.5 mile oval circuit at speeds upwards of 230 miles per hour.
The race itself, however, is not what is most appealing to me; rather, the traditions that are associated with this event are also spectacular. The release of thousands of balloons, the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana” along with the Purdue Marching Band, and the celebratory downing of milk by the victor are all anticipated events. Most impressive to me, however, is the race’s dedication to our nation’s military, especially to those who died on the battlefield defending our freedom. The flyover of military aircraft at the end of the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner,” a 21-gun salute, a bugler playing “Taps,” the procession of the color guard with representatives from every branch of the military, and the presence of troops marching on the track prior to the race exude a sense of pride and patriotism for participants and onlookers alike - a sentiment that is retained throughout the three-hour event and beyond.
To our dedicated men and women serving overseas, and especially our St. Michael’s School parents who proudly wear the uniform, we thank you and we are eternally indebted to you. It is comforting that national events like the Indy 500 honor the sacrifice of our fallen war heroes and the families they left behind, and it is even more encouraging that, here at home, our scouts visited Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery this past weekend and planted flags at the grave sites of our local heroes. May we always remember them with our deepest respect and gratitude. Our lives are richer because they answered a call to duty.
