Watching the celebrations in Washington, New York and pretty much every college campus around the country on Sunday night was cool, but it would have been much cooler to actually be there.
The death of Osama bin Laden will go down as one of the most historic moments of our lifetime, and the wave of patriotism sweeping the country this week will undoubtedly recall memories of the post-9/11 feeling of togetherness.
That said, I can't wait for the pre-race ceremonies at Darlington Raceway before Saturday night's Southern 500. I'm sure I'll have goosebumps just from hearing the fans react to the moment.
Darlington says Sgt. John Norman from Pope Air Force Base will be singing the national anthem. Can you imagine how fired up the fans will be throughout the anthem and the flyover?
And on top of that, Darlington offered a half-price ticket to military members this year. When a ticket was purchased, the track also sent along a camouflage Darlington Raceway T-shirt.
The track is asking the military personnel who bought the tickets to wear their T-shirts to the race on Saturday night, and they'll be asked to stand for recognition during the pre-race ceremonies.
The atmosphere is going to be electric. In general, NASCAR fans are already some of the most patriotic people anywhere, and this will only add to the emotions.