Huset's Commemorates 9/11

BRANDON, SD - South Dakota racing fans don't take a back seat to anybody when it comes to showing their appreciation for those who put their lives in danger.  

The 10th anniversary of 9/11 happens to fall on the final day of racing season at Huset's Speedway.

Military members in uniform, along with their families, will get in for free to Sunday night's races at Huset's. The ceremony that precedes the races will honor not only the military, but the first responders, whose dangerous duties became very apparent in the aftermath of 9/11.

American flags will overshadow the checkered flags during an emotional gathering prior to the races at Huset's Sunday night.

"For those people who show up, look at the person standing next to you and if you don't see a tear coming out of their eyes, look at the person next to them, because it's a tear-jerking event," Jay Masur of MED-Star Ambulance said.

Fire trucks and ambulances will fill the infield as part of a speedway salute to emergency workers who put their lives on the line every day,

"The people that are in these professions, they walk into danger as people are walking out. And they're walking in so they can help people and they know the dangers of it and they know that their life can be taken doing it," Masur said.

The close-knit racing community draws even closer together when it comes to honoring those who lost their lives on September 11th.

"This is a racing family, this is a racing event, and these are racing fans, but you know what? When it all comes down to it, we're all American, and we all understand the importance of the 9/11 day," Masur said.

The terror attacks never sidetracked the strength of America's resolve to rise above tragedy in the decade since 9/11.

"When it comes right down to it, we will stand up for each other and we will unite," Masur said.

The Patriot Day Nine-Eleven ceremony begins at 5 PM Sunday at Huset's and will also include flyovers by air ambulance helicopters from both Avera McKennan and Sanford Health.