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The Indy 500 will have a special tribute to the United States Army this Memorial Day Weekend.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be filled with thousands of fans to see who will take home the checkered flag of the most prominent IndyCar.
But before dozens of drivers aim to etch their names in the history books, it will pay homage to the Army’s 250th birthday.
Fans watch Monday, May 19, 2025, during practice for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Two Army Apache helicopters will fly above the cars on the first pace lap of the race. It is being dubbed the “Pace Lap for America.”
Sunday marks the 109th edition of the big race, with the first taking place way back in 1911.
President Donald Trump will host a military parade in June to honor military veterans and active-duty service members and commemorate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, Fox News Digital learned earlier this month.
The parade is scheduled for June 14, the 250th birthday of the United States Army and Trump’s birthday.
MIAMI, FLORIDA-MAY 25: Flight of AH-64 Apache Helicopter an exercise demonstration in celebration of Memorial Day on May 25, Miami, Florida (Photo by Jesus Olarte/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Getty Images)
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The parade comes after Trump, in January, signed an executive order creating “Task Force 250,” which is focused on coordinating the plans and activities celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence. The 250th anniversary of America’s founding will be July 4, 2026.
In the lead-up to the major 2026 celebration, the White House has celebrated the anniversaries of major events in America’s founding, including the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry’s “Give Me Liberty or Give me Death” speech in March, the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s famous ride in April and the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
FILE – Josef Newgarden crosses the finish line to win the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 26, 2024. (AP Photo/AJ Mast, file)
During his first term, Trump held a unique “Salute To America” event on the Fourth of July in 2019, which was different from typical Independence Day celebrations put on by past presidents.
Fox News’ Brooke Singman contributed to this report.
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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/indy-500-honor-u-s-armys-250th-birthday-apache-helicopter-flyover
