Show Begins at Indianapolis

Today we will have the running of the NASCAR race at the track at Indianapolis-the home of great traditions.

The invocation was given by Rev. Howard Brammer. He said, "May our appreciation of liberty equal the bravery of its defenders." Good job but not as exciting as last night's invocation by Mark Wright.

The National Anthem was sung by Casey Jamerson of Indiana. That was followed by a fly-over by T-38 Talons of Randolph Air Force Base of Sn Antonio, Texas.

Nice start for the day.

Windy City Raceway Ministries

Tonight's Nationwide race was started with the invocation by Glenn Spoolstra of Windy City Raceway Ministries. You can read more of this ministry here.

How about that fly-over by U.S. Coast Guard helicoptors? Great touch for a city on the Great Lakes where the Coast Guard is so important to us.

I always enjoy the invocation and national anthem but I know there are some out there that don't. What do you think?

Daytona-4th of July Love of Country

Tonight we're watching the NASCAR Coke Zero 400. This center of the NASCAR racing world is featuring Father Ed Waters giving the invocation. The National Anthem was sung by the 82nd Airborne All American Chorus. The music was beautiful and that is how it should be done.

The opening ceremonies including invocation and National Anthem are favorite parts of the race for me because it emphasizes NASCAR love of God and country.

But today, there was even more focus on country because it is the 233rd birthday of our country. Many drivers are sporting patriotic paint schemes on their cars and even red, white and blue painted helmets.

Also receiving attention is Richard Petty because it is the 25th anniversary of his 200th win.

How did you feel about the invocation and the National Anthem?