The military, flying the national colours, prayer, patriotism, and singing the anthem have long been as much a part of NASCAR as the drivers and cars going around the track.
As a part of America’s 250th anniversary, NASCAR has joined with Honor and Remember to recognize the 1.4 million members of the military who have died in the line of service during the history of the United States.
Honor and Remember has created a Declaration of Remembrance and is inviting citizens to sign the Declaration. They are looking to have 1.4 million signatures on the Declaration by Memorial Day Weekend – a symbolic tribute of one signature for every fallen hero.
Citizens can sign the Declaration at: DeclarationofRemembrance.com/signnow.
A part of America250, “the initiative reflects a nationwide moment to honor both 250 years of freedom and the cost required to secure it.”
Founder of Honor and Remember George Lutz said, “it’s important for all Americans to remember and acknowledge that the freedoms we enjoy today are ours because of 250 years of sacrifice. It’s a critically important message that cannot get lost as our nation celebrates this milestone, and it’s why we started the Declaration of Remembrance.”
NASCAR’s chief impact officer Eric Nyquist noted, “NASCAR is a uniquely patriotic sport, and we feel a responsibility to ensure these heroes are never forgotten. Our goal is to keep the memory of these brave men and women alive and to show their families how much they are appreciated.”
A Gold Star father, Lutz said, “my hope is that as we mark 250 years of freedom, we also take time for collective gratitude — not just for the victories, but for the cost of securing and sustaining our nation. This effort is about honoring every life lost in service and inviting Americans to stand together in remembrance.” Lutz’ son George Anthony “Tony” Lutz II was killed while on patrol in Fallujah, Iraq in 2005.
Eric Nyquist added, “our fans understand and appreciate the sacrifice that these men and women have made. We encourage everyone to join us in supporting Honor and Remember and to take part in this national moment of remembrance.”
The Declaration of Remembrance:
When in the course of two and a half centuries of American independence, it becomes necessary for us to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals of freedom and sacrifice that built this nation, we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, ever mindful that what we do today will leave a lasting impact on those who follow. On this 250th anniversary of the United States, we unite in purpose to honor the legacy of bravery and selflessness that has safeguarded our liberty.
We affirm:
Freedom is not free; it is secured by the valor of those willing to defend it at all costs.
Our fallen heroes’ sacrifice and their families’ enduring sacrifice must be honored and remembered in every generation.
As beneficiaries of their sacrifice, we have a solemn duty to give back to the communities we serve and support the families they left behind.
As corporate citizens and community leaders, we are honored and humbled to stand with the families of the fallen and all who have borne the cost of our freedom. We remain a reflection of the American spirit – genuine, humble, proud, and hard-working – in our dedication to those who defend our freedom. We are committed to doing our part to ensure the legacy of our fallen heroes is never forgotten. In this spirit, we proudly support the Honor and Remember campaign and its vital mission to publicly honor and remember every American fallen service member and recognize the enduring sacrifice of every family.
Under the standard of the Honor and Remember Flag – a visible public reminder to all Americans of the lives given to preserve freedom, and a national symbol of appreciation recognizing the sacrifice of generations of fallen hero families – we pledge to carry its message of gratitude and patriotism far and wide. Now, therefore, as our nation commemorates its 250th anniversary, we pledge with unwavering resolve to honor and remember forever. We remain true to our beliefs and uncompromising in our values, determined to uphold this tradition of remembrance with honesty and integrity for generations to come.