wavelandscott
25-05-2008, 08:59 PM
Memorial Day Weekend in the US...a great remembrance holiday...
Being a born and bred Indiana boy (living in Australia) this time of year "back home" means it is Indy 500 Race weekend (weather permiting)...Race Sunday was a big event...
Before church if we hadn't done it already on the Saturday, we would go to the grave sites of our family members and tidy them up and place flowers...then off to church...
While for years befor the introduction of cable/satelite TV the actual race for me was "blacked out" on TV...my family would gather right after church (which the minister had strict instruction to be finished early on race day so there would be plenty of time to spare) and listen to the radio as we fired up the BBQ...
The cermonies leading up to the race to me were nearly as exciting as the race itself...
For me the race really started when:
"On the Banks of the Wabash" (the Indiana state song) was performed by the Purdue All American Marching Band (Purdue is my University alma mater)
Then there would be the celebrity/VIP Parade Laps and in time of war/conflict a Military Recognition Lap and March
Then came the Driver Introductions
Then the singing of "God Bless America" Performed by Florence Henderson, and Indiana native known for playing the role of Carol Brady on the Brady Bunch TV show...
Some one famous singing the US National Anthem Performed follwed quickly by a spectaular military aircraft Flyover
An Invocation by a local minister followed by "Taps," again by the Purdue All American Marching Band
Then one of my favorites...the song "Back Home Again in Indiana" Performed by Jim Nabors, another Indiana native known for playing the role of Gomer Pyle in both the Andy Griffth Show and later in the Gomer Pyle TV show...
Then the famous commands that start the race...these are always done by a member of the Hulman family (owners of the track)
Command to Start Engines, Mari Hulman George, this was always a huge debate when the first female was in the starting grid because the traditional command was Gentlemen, start your engines"...the first female īn the race caused this to change to "Lady and Gentlemen, start your engines"...I'm not sure what the call will be with multiple females in the race...
Then a past winner or other famous driver will pilot the Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car I think this year it will be Driver Emerson Fittipaldi will Lead the Field to the Start
And then an Honorary Starter, this year it is Kristi Yamaguchi Waves the Green Flag to Start the 92nd Indianapolis 500-Mile Race...
Wow...just writing this all up brings back the memories to me...As normal the rest of my family still back in Indiana will be getting together as they always have and most likely always will to experience and pass on these traditions...a shame it will all take place in the wee hours of the morning here.
Being a born and bred Indiana boy (living in Australia) this time of year "back home" means it is Indy 500 Race weekend (weather permiting)...Race Sunday was a big event...
Before church if we hadn't done it already on the Saturday, we would go to the grave sites of our family members and tidy them up and place flowers...then off to church...
While for years befor the introduction of cable/satelite TV the actual race for me was "blacked out" on TV...my family would gather right after church (which the minister had strict instruction to be finished early on race day so there would be plenty of time to spare) and listen to the radio as we fired up the BBQ...
The cermonies leading up to the race to me were nearly as exciting as the race itself...
For me the race really started when:
"On the Banks of the Wabash" (the Indiana state song) was performed by the Purdue All American Marching Band (Purdue is my University alma mater)
Then there would be the celebrity/VIP Parade Laps and in time of war/conflict a Military Recognition Lap and March
Then came the Driver Introductions
Then the singing of "God Bless America" Performed by Florence Henderson, and Indiana native known for playing the role of Carol Brady on the Brady Bunch TV show...
Some one famous singing the US National Anthem Performed follwed quickly by a spectaular military aircraft Flyover
An Invocation by a local minister followed by "Taps," again by the Purdue All American Marching Band
Then one of my favorites...the song "Back Home Again in Indiana" Performed by Jim Nabors, another Indiana native known for playing the role of Gomer Pyle in both the Andy Griffth Show and later in the Gomer Pyle TV show...
Then the famous commands that start the race...these are always done by a member of the Hulman family (owners of the track)
Command to Start Engines, Mari Hulman George, this was always a huge debate when the first female was in the starting grid because the traditional command was Gentlemen, start your engines"...the first female īn the race caused this to change to "Lady and Gentlemen, start your engines"...I'm not sure what the call will be with multiple females in the race...
Then a past winner or other famous driver will pilot the Chevrolet Corvette Pace Car I think this year it will be Driver Emerson Fittipaldi will Lead the Field to the Start
And then an Honorary Starter, this year it is Kristi Yamaguchi Waves the Green Flag to Start the 92nd Indianapolis 500-Mile Race...
Wow...just writing this all up brings back the memories to me...As normal the rest of my family still back in Indiana will be getting together as they always have and most likely always will to experience and pass on these traditions...a shame it will all take place in the wee hours of the morning here.