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Anyone driving West on Interstate 70 from Illinois heading to Indianapolis for the 500 will pass through my hometown, Terre Haute, Indiana. If you have the time, get off at U.S. 41 and Head north to the Vigo County Courthouse and see our new Veterans Memorial Plaza.

The was a real labor of love for the community and all the Veteran's organizations. We have monuments to the fallen from every war since the Civil War. It is truly a beautiful park. Obelisks give all the names. There is a life-sized bronze statue of a local Medal of Honor winner from the Korean Conflict.

The trip is well-worth the few minutes it will take to see it.

Terre Haute is the home of 181st Fighter Wing, which lost one of its own almost two weeks ago. The 181st will again be doing the flyover for the start of the race. When you see the four F-16s fly overhead, remember for a moment Major William Burchett, who died in that crash. Those pilots were his comrades.

On the way to Indianapolis on I-70, take a quick exit at Highway-37 (Putnamville exit). There is a small Fireworks stand just off that exit that has been organized by a group that is raising funds for several Veterans groups, including homeless veterans in and around the Hoosier State, and for the Fund that provides support and assistance to the families of our military who are deployed. Right now, there are several units from Indiana—National Guard and Reserve Units— on Active Duty, maybe close to 100,000 men and women. They are in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq and elsewhere around the world protecting our freedom.

I know this because my children's mother is one of them.

Others are my friends, fellow business owners, one of my employees, fellow Hoosiers, all.

If you find the Fireworks stand, buy a package of Sparklers. It won't cost much, but the money helps those who have sent theirs to help us all.

God Bless, enjoy the race and this weekend, and have a Great time visiting my state!!!