DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – During the upcoming Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered By Coca-Cola on July 3-5, Daytona International Speedway will salute three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.
The Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, one from the Vietnam War and two from the War in Afghanistan, are:
· Gary Littrell, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army
· Salvatore Giunta, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
· Ryan Pitts, Staff Sergeant, U.S. Army
For complete biographies on the three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, visit http://www.cmohs.org/
This is the seventh consecutive year that the Speedway has honored Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. The program started back in the 1970s by Bill France Sr.
“It’s a privilege for Daytona International Speedway to be able to host and honor these three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients during the Coke Zero 400 Weekend,” Track President Joie Chitwood said. “These three individuals served with valor and courage and have been recognized with our nation’s highest military honor. We look forward to saluting them during the Independence Day holiday weekend.”
The Congressional Medal of Honor recipients will be recognized during a special luncheon on Saturday at the Bill France Room, will attend driver’s meetings and participate in pre-race ceremonies for both the Subway Firecracker 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR XFINITY Series race on Saturday night, July 4 and the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race on Sunday night, July 5.
During Sunday’s 57th annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola, a special salute will take place for the three recipients during pre-race ceremonies.
In addition, the three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients will take part in an autograph session with race fans in the Sprint FANZONE on Sunday prior to the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola.
The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It’s bestowed on a member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.
The stars of NASCAR return to Daytona International Speedway on July 3-5. Tickets to the Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race and the Subway Firecracker 250 Powered By Coca-Cola NASCAR XFINITY Series race are available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com.
Fans can follow NASCAR and stay up to speed on the latest news by using hashtag #NASCAR and #COKEZERO400. Fans can also stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest for the latest news all season long. Fans can also follow the latest on DAYTONA Rising, the $400 million frontstretch renovation at the “World Center of Racing” by using #DAYTONARising on Twitter or visiting www.daytonarising.com.
