Indiana Gov. Holcomb: Everyone has the ability to help through ‘Be the One’
(Photo by Bruce Martin

Indiana Gov. Holcomb: Everyone has the ability to help through ‘Be the One’

For American Legion member Eric J. Holcomb of Post 510 in Indianapolis, Sunday’s 106th Indianapolis 500 and Memorial Day Weekend have extra meaning for the man who served in the U.S. Navy.

He’s the governor of Indiana, and Race Day for the Indianapolis 500 is the day when the world comes to Indiana.

Fans from all 50 states and from around the world will attend the massive 250,000-seat Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) to witness one of the world’s greatest sporting events. It’s an event that began in 1911 and has survived two World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, two Gulf Wars and the COVID-19 pandemic.

It comes on a weekend when the United States pays its respects to those who gave their lives in battle defending our freedoms.

It's also a special day for all native Hoosiers, including Holcomb, who live for Race Day at IMS.

“I think the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has a way of changing people’s attitudes and perceptions about how we are able to celebrate a race as big as this one,” Holcomb said.

Indianapolis is also the home of The American Legion National Headquarters for over 100 years. “I’m proud of my association with The American Legion and the State of Indiana,” Holcomb said.

This year’s Indianapolis 500 features The American Legion’s “Be the One” campaign to help reduce veteran suicide.

“Nothing could be more important than this specific cause,” Holcomb said. “We are seeing so many things unfold around the world, and we are asking folks to pack their seabags at a moment’s notice and go to places that we read about and then they come back and wonder how to get help for what they have gone through.

“We are a state that is fanatical about helping our neighbors, our brothers and sisters that have put on that uniform for us. This is a way for us to help them.”

The American Legion is well represented in the 33-driver starting lineup. Tony Kanaan is the driver of the No. 1 American Legion Honda for Chip Ganassi Racing and will start sixth after qualifying with a four-lap average of 232.372 miles per hour.

Jimmie Johnson is the centerpiece of The American Legion INDYCAR program and will start the No. 48 Carvana/American Legion Honda 12th in the race after a four-lap average of 231.264 mph.

“What I’ve learned is how proud I should be of my country,” Kanaan said. “My fan base here is pretty big. Last year with the veterans, it was even more. Since we got this partnership with Chip Ganassi and the Legion I have learned so much about the veterans and how important it is to get the word out.

“To me, it’s an honor and a huge responsibility. The most important thing is to honor the cause and try to help.”

Holcomb joined The American Legion “years ago” and is proud of his relationship.

“It’s a place of comradery and a place where you can swap stories and the guy and gal on the other side of the conversation knows where you are coming from,” Holcomb explained. “A lot of people in the general public think American Legion Halls are a place for a cheap beer and a cheeseburger and maybe play some pool. While it is a place to get a burger, it is a place where you know others have been through something similar to you or different. You get to learn from one another and share your perspective.

“I never had hardship duty so I’m not pretending to relate with folks that have been through a world war, but I am certainly drawn to that environment out of respect.

“’Be the One’ – this campaign proves that everyone has the ability to help someone, almost a duty to whether you put on a uniform or not. This is another example of The American Legion, headquartered in Indianapolis, stepping up to the plate and there could not be a more important cause. This can start here in Indianapolis, Ind.”