There are plenty of reasons why the Indianapolis 500 is called the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

This was the 21st year in a row that my father and I have gone to see the Indy 500, and for the 21st time it did not disappoint.

To someone who has never been to the Indy 500, let alone any IndyCar, NHRA or NASCAR event, it might seem hard to grasp the idea of sitting in the sun for four hours to watch cars go in a circle.

But as I have learned over the years, there is so much more to the Indy 500 than just driving in circles.

Dad and I made the trek from central Ohio to Speedway, Indiana for my first 500 in May, 1995. That year the race was won by a rookie Canadian driver who came from a lap down to pull off one of the more improbable wins.

We have seen Helio Castroneves win three Indy 500s, success that launched him into the limelight, and later, on to television’s “Dancing with the Stars”.

Danica Patrick brought excitement to the Brickyard when she because the first female to lead a lap at the track and could have won during her rookie attempt in 2005.

We watched as another rookie, J.R. Hilldebrand was on his way to winning the race when he slammed into the wall on the final turn, allowing Dan Wheldon to win his second 500.

More than the moments of great racing, the event is an important part of my favorite holiday of the year – Memorial Day.

Before the green flag drops, the speedway is draped in red, white and blue in honor of the men and women who have worn or still wear the uniforms of our nation’s military.

Troops in uniform march down pit lane and are welcomed by the thunderous applause of a few hundred thousand spectators.

The crowd of 300,000 stands in an eerie silence as “Taps” is played.

Seconds after the national anthem is performed, military jets or helicopters buzz over the track to the annual joy of the fans.

Those moments, the ones meant to honor the people who have dedicated their lives to the service and protection of others, are why the Indy 500 is the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

While the world tunes in on television just before the race begins, it is always an indescribable experiencer to see 300,000 fans thank those who wear their nation’s uniform.

Sure the racing is great, but the Indy 500 is about much more than racing.

Jay Sowers is photo editor of Gulf Coast Newspapers. He can be reached at jay@gulfcoastmedia.com.