DOVER, Del. (May 28, 2015) – On Sunday, May 31, Dover International Speedway will dedicate a special POW/MIA memorial as part of their pre-race activities before the “FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
The POW/MIA National Chair of Honor “One Empty Seat” is an initiative that was created to help recognize and honor the more than 92,000 American soldiers who are unaccounted for since World War I. These unoccupied seats are dedicated to the memory of the brave men and women and to the sacrifices each made in serving our country.
A commemorative stand and plaque are mounted in section 103, Row 1, of the Dover grandstands in front of the empty chair, describing its significance.
Before the race, Colonel Len Gratteri with the Delaware National Guard will unveil this meaningful memorial in honor of his uncle, Private First Class John Straley, who has been missing in action since January 1964. The Rolling Thunder group will also participate in a ceremonial parade lap before that race that will include approx. 150 motorcycles.
“We are pleased and honored to participate in this symbolic initiative,” said Michael Tatoian, president and CEO of Dover International Speedway. “The POW/MIA One Empty Seat program recognizes the thousands of men and women who have fought courageously for our country, and we know how much this will resonate with our very patriotic fan base here in Dover.”
The effort to dedicate the chair at Dover International Speedway was spearheaded by Patrick J. Hughes, who served in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. Hughes is a member of Rolling Thunder® Inc. National Chapter. A mission of Rolling Thunder is the POW/MIA National Chair of Honor program, “One Empty Seat,” which aims to place chairs in stadiums across the United States to pay respect to those service men and women who are still missing.
NASCAR returns to Dover International Speedway May 29-31, 2015 and includes the May 29 “Lucas Oil 200” NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, the May 30 “Buckle Up 200” presented by Click It or Ticket NASCAR XFINITY Series race, and the May 31 “FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks” NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
For race tickets or more information, call 1-800-441-RACE or visit DoverSpeedway.com. You can also keep up with the Monster Mile at Facebook.com/DoverInternationalSpeedway, and on Twitter and Instagram at @MonsterMile.
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About Dover Motorsports, Inc.
Dover Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE: DVD) is a leading promoter of NASCAR sanctioned motorsports events whose subsidiaries own and operate Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. and Nashville Superspeedway near Nashville, Tenn. The company also plays host to the Firefly Music Festival and Big Barrel Country Music Festival, both of which are produced by Red Frog Events and Goldenvoice. For more information, visit www.dovermotorsports.com.
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