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NASCAR Festivities Include Reminder About Honoring Fallen Heroes

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Kim Joiner, the deputy assistant to the secretary of defense, strategic engagement, provided the State of Freedom address during a salute to the military at prerace ceremonies of the Coca-Cola 600 Memorial Day weekend NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.

"I want to pause to make sure everyone remembers what this three-day weekend is truly about — to honor our heroes: those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country free and safe," she said, speaking on behalf of Acting Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan.

A man and a woman speak into microphones from a stage.
Joiner Remarks
Kim Joiner, the deputy assistant to the secretary of defense, strategic engagement, speaks during a salute to the military at prerace ceremonies of the Coca-Cola 600 Memorial Day weekend NASCAR race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., May 26, 2019.
Photo By: EJ Hersom, DOD
VIRIN: 190526-D-DB155-013A

"To all of our Gold Star families — those who have lost a loved one in military service — I want to pass on my heartfelt appreciation. Let us never forget our heroes," she said.

Soldiers are airlifted off a racetrack.
Lift Off
Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division are lifted off the Charlotte Motor Speedway by helicopter in Concord, N.C., May 26, 2019.
Photo By: EJ Hersom, DOD
VIRIN: 190526-D-DB155-006C

"Currently, less than 1% of Americans are willing and able to serve in the military, and fewer than 15% of young adults have a parent who has served, compared to 40% in 1995," she added.

A boy does a pullup with the help of a service member.
Pullup Challenge
A boy takes the Marine Corps pullup challenge on the Charlotte Motor Speedway infield before the start of the Coca-Cola 600 race in Concord, N.C., May 26, 2019.
Photo By: EJ Hersom, DOD
VIRIN: 190526-D-DB155-012C

"I would encourage all of you to visit the new website Defense.gov/KnowYourMilitary and our social media platforms to learn more," Joiner said. "And sign up to become a #KnowYourMil supporter to remain engaged with the department's efforts to highlight the important work of our service members."

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