During the Zac Brown Band’s performance of “Chicken Fried,” service members stood on stage, saluting during the song’s patriotic lyrics. Photo courtesy of Leah Storr.
By Jeremy Fishman
The inaugural Veterans Day Classic at Daytona International Speedway features military-themed racing, live performances, and recognition of veterans from across the military branches.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — In the 1980s, James Clifton and Richard Fischer were both instructors at the U.S. Army Military Police School at Fort McClellan in Alabama. They became close friends, spending Thanksgivings and Christmases together, and Clifton was the best man at Fischer’s wedding.
Eventually, they moved away and lost touch for about 15 years before reconnecting on Facebook. They realized they lived within an hour of each other and arranged to reunite at Daytona International Speedway. Years later, the two veterans returned to the same racetrack for Ford’s Veterans Day celebration.
On Nov. 11, Ford held the Proud to Honor Veterans Day Classic at Daytona International Speedway. The sold-out event combined racing, live music, and military recognition to celebrate Veterans Day. All six branches of the military were represented in specially designed Ford Mustangs, driven by 12 Ford racers.
At 3 p.m., the tailgate opened. Classic Ford race cars were on display across from the Mustangs that were used for the race. Attendees took pictures beside the cars as maintenance crews prepared the Mustangs for the race. Each branch of the military had its own tent set up with active-duty service members talking to supporters. In addition to the military tents, various foundations and nonprofit organizations that support veterans staffed tables where they educated the guests about their organizations.
Board members from the Patriotic Kenny Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps veterans with disabilities receive free mobility scooters. Kenny Jary was a Navy veteran, known on social media as Patriotic Kenny. In 2021, his mobility scooter stopped working. His friend Amanda Kline shared the story on TikTok, and the video earned over 10 million views. The campaign raised enough money for Jary and 10 other veterans to receive mobility scooters.
Kline, now the executive director of the Patriotic Kenny Foundation, said that the foundation has provided 250 mobility scooters to veterans and plans to give away 100 more by the end of 2026.
“We’ve done a lot for Veterans Day every year,” said Kline. “It’s our Christmas of the year.”
As the tailgate wrapped up, guests were permitted into the Fanzone. Veterans and active-duty service members could be seen in the crowd, some wearing uniforms and others wearing merchandise representing their military branch. The celebration continued with performances from country artists Warren Zeiders, Russell Dickerson, and Jo Dee Messina before the Zac Brown Band took the stage.
Zac Brown, one of the executive producers of the event, performed hits “Knee Deep” and “Homegrown,” ending with “Chicken Fried.” Following the performance, the band walked offstage as the crowd chanted “USA.” The moment reflected Brown’s message about unity.
“We all gotta be one America,” said Brown. “Don’t let the media divide us. This is one country.”
After the Zac Brown Band’s performance, the focus shifted from the stage to the track as the 12 Ford drivers lined up for the race. Each of the six military branches had two cars competing in the race, and all 12 Ford Mustangs featured designs inspired by the military branch they represented. Austin Cindric, who represented the Air Force, won the race.
After the race concluded, the Zac Brown Band returned to the stage for an encore and was joined by the rapper Nelly for one song. The band continued performing for several more songs, bringing the entertainment to a close.
While the event brought thousands of people together for Veterans Day, Clifton and Fischer appreciated being honored. Both served more than 20 years in the Army, and Clifton said both would do it again in a heartbeat. The veterans emphasized that most people who have not served may not understand the sacrifices made by service members and their families.
“It means a lot and it’s always nice to reflect on not only our service but all the veterans out there,” said Fischer.
Even though their military careers ended, Clifton and Fischer remain friends. They pointed out the exact staircase where they reunited at Daytona International Speedway five years ago.
“It’s nice to be here and be able to reconnect and be as close as you were to somebody that you knew 35 years ago,” said Fischer.