A Day of Fun and Remembrance

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer for many people. Swimming pools open and people break out the sunscreen. It also represents the unofficial start of Thoroughbred racing’s second season, with all but one of the 3-year-old Classic races behind us and a slew of terrific races for all ages on the horizon and leading to the Breeders’ Cup this fall. Big races this Memorial Day include a pair of Grade I events, the Met Mile from Belmont and the Gamely Stakes out at Hollywood Park. 

This is a day to relax and enjoy a great early summer holiday--hopefully at a racetrack near you.  But no matter where you may be this Memorial Day, I hope you will take time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  Honoring service men and women who died in battle – and the loved ones they left behind - is what this day is really about.  As the son of a living WWII veteran, I take this duty seriously.  I hope that tracks and patrons will do the same.

Sometime this weekend, I hope you will take a few minutes to place a flag or a flower on a veteran’s grave. Or let a living vet know that you appreciate his or her service.  The act of remembrance is the least we can do for those who have given so much on our behalf.     

Where will you be this Memorial Day?  Who will you be remembering? Let me hear from you.