Dateline: 09/14/01

NASCAR announced that there will be no racing this weekend in New Hampshire, as a result of the terrorist attack on the United States on September 11th. Many people questioned whether this was a wise decision or not. Was it giving in to the terrorists? Would it be proper to be the only activity going on in Major League sports?

To me, these questions are unimportant. Instead we must look at the reality of the crisis our nation faces and act accordingly. In my opinion, NASCAR acted properly. Our nation is in mourning for the loss of thousands of lives in two of our most important cities. It would be inappropriate to continue without pause. It would be inappropriate to let life go on as if nothing happened. Our world, our nation has changed, and we must recognize that change and honor those who lost their lives.

Is this giving in to terrorists. Did NASCAR, by its cancellation, let the terrorists win? Did their actions change our way of life, which was their intent? To me the answer is no. Instead, the cancellation of the race is in the best traditions of America. We honor our dead, our heroes. We pause to remember. We always have and we always will.

We did not cancel our activities. We didn't lose our freedom to assemble and celebrate the world of sport. Instead, we made a choice to delay our gratification. We made the choice that our entertainment was not as important as honoring those who lost their lives. We made the decision. The terrorists did not. And that is an important fact to remember.

Racing goes to the heart of the American spirit. Americans have always thrived on competition. We have always honored individual achievement and we have always honored teamwork. But we have also always taken the time to mourn those who have died in battle, and make no mistake about it, the thousands of casualties that resulted from these acts died in battle. The eternal battle of good versus evil.

Let each of us remember those victims of this violence in our own way. Some may remember with a prayer, some with a moment of silent contemplation, others with stories of those who are gone. Let us grieve and let us shed our tears, then let us move forward with the resolve to claim the ultimate victory over terrorism.

In the end, Freedom will enter the winner's circle. Freedom will claim the trophy. Freedom will be victorious, and the celebration of that victory will overshadow the darkness that we feel today. For today, let us remember. For tomorrow, let us win!