The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will pay homage to the men and women of the United States military during Old National Armed Forces Pole Day on Sunday, May 18 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
“The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” has paid tribute to the troops since its inception in 1911. Activities on Sunday will begin when the gates open at 7:00 a.m., as all active members of the military who show their military I.D. at the gate will be admitted free.
Wish For Our Heroes (W4OH), a national, non-profit organization based in Noblesville, Ind., that provides tickets to active United States military or veterans for Indianapolis Motor Speedway events, will offer fans the opportunity to participate in the Hero Zone during Old National Armed Forces Pole Day in the IMS infield. Hero Zone military training exercises include a 10-station military themed obstacle course featuring a rock wall, a climbing cargo net, two low crawls and a balance beam. Fans can also check out actual helmets and body armor used by our troops in Afghanistan. There will also be track tours for military members.
Wish For Our Heroes, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indiana National Guard have joined forces to provide fans with an opportunity to help send active United States military or veterans to the remaining IMS events in 2014, the 98th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, Kroger Super Weekend at the Brickyard and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP.
Whenever a new provisional pole-sitter is set on Sunday and throughout Indianapolis 500 qualifying weekend, Old National Bank will donate $100 to Wish For Our Heroes to support our nation’s troops and help send them to IMS events.
On Coors Light Carb Day on Friday, May 23, W4OH will be at IMS for the third consecutive year raising money to send troops and their families to races at IMS. Donations received by W4OH are matched by IMS for Indiana service men and women. Fans looking to salute American service members through contributions or donations are encouraged to visit: www.ims.com/wish4ourheroes or www.wish4ourheroes.org.
Other activities on Old National Armed Forces Pole Day at IMS:
Enlistment ceremony : At 9:45 a.m., an Armed forces Enlistment Ceremony led by Adjutant General of Indiana Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger will take place for 70 enlistees from branches of the U.S. military including: U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserves, Indiana Army and Air National Guard, U.S. Marine Corps, USMC Reserves, U.S. Navy and USN Reserves.
The ceremony will include a joint service color guard and a performance by the 38th Infantry Division Band. Following the ceremony at 11:00 a.m., the 38th Infantry Division rock band Rapid Fire will perform on the Pagoda Plaza Stage.
Military vehicle display : An impressive collection of military vehicles and equipment will be showcased in the IMS Midway on Sunday, May 18 when the gates open at 7:00 a.m.
Vehicles on display will include an Expando Van, an M1200 Armored Knight Truck, two M1117 Armored Security Vehicles, two M1151 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (Hummers), an MTVR Truck and a U.S. Coast Guard Speed Boat. Also on display will be an RQ-11B Unmanned Aerial System, a Battlefield Surveillance Brigade Airborne Display and two horses representing the Indiana Guard Ceremonial Unit.
Recruiting stations representing the United States Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard and Indiana Air National Guard will be on hand at IMS during Old National Armed Forces Pole Day.
SOURCE: Indianapolis Motor Speedway