Tri-State Neighbor: South Dakota Farm Newspaper

Whenever I comment to someone that in all of my 67 years on this old earth I have never seen a car race, the normal reaction is akin to “What planet have you been living on?”

Certainly we grew up in Lyman County with a father who thought he was a race car driver. In fact, whenever we gather as a Woster family and the discussion turns to our parents, invariably the topic will turn to Henry J. and his Mario Andretti comparison.

Whether it be on the rut-covered gravel between Al's Oasis and our place on Highway 16, which joined Reliance and Vivian, our dad drove as if the baby was coming and time was of the essence. Folks, I'm talking pedal to the metal.

Without all of the particulars, he was also the recipient of more than one speeding ticket and not once, at least not that I am aware of, did he simply and graciously accept the notice of speed and the amount of the fine.

At the urging of Matt Jones, Alpena, S.D., native and current enrollee in a chiropractic college, I did try to watch a few NASCAR races, but I could never remember which Johnson or Gordon we were cheering for. Besides, the race takes about nine hours and you know me and sitting still.

With that background, you can imagine my surprise and reluctance when Mark Tassler, morning radio personality for KXRB, asked if I would sing the national anthem at Huset's Speedway on Memorial Day evening.

For those who listen to Mark, you know that he and Sid Pederson, the big cahoona at Pederson Commodities, will, on occasion, subject yours truly to various insults. I believe that they do so in good humor, but when Sid called to give support to Mark's singing request, you can imagine that I was more than a tad dubious.

“What do those two yokels have planned to embarrass me in front a crowd of race people?”

I was wrong. The reason they asked my involvement was because Huset's has, for the past three years, conducted a super beef promotion on Memorial Day weekend and they were of the opinion that I should fit in.

When I discovered that South Dakota Beef Bucks was involved, it became a no-brainer. If it helps sell some beef, let's do it.

What the heck, if I can sing that tribute to Old Glory at Frost Arena at an SDSU/USD basketball game in front of 9,000 fans, I should be able to muddle through the song at a racetrack.

Other than forgetting the words for a brief time, the effort at Frost went as well as could be expected and besides, these hard working, hard living, fun-filled race enthusiasts, well, they probably won't be paying attention anyway. Right?

Nothing could be further from the truth. Memorial Day evening at Huset's Speedway, near Brandon, S.D., was one of the more special events I have ever been a part of.

Certainly, the fact that South Dakota Beef Bucks sold thousands of dollars worth of beef bucks certificates for the purchase of outstanding burgers was great.

The fact that longtime friend, Gene Johnson, a Brandon, S.D., businessperson, invited me into his shelter for a portion of the race also added to the evening's enjoyment.

The most enlightening and truly special aspect of Memorial Day night occurred just prior to and during the national anthem.

As the engines roared, the crowd visited and the drivers and crew worked on their cars, Mark took Pastor Dennis Bossman and myself to the front of the track, where he began the introductory ceremonies.

When Pastor Bossman began his very pointed and meaningful invocation, it became very quiet.

Mark had told me ahead of time that he would hand me the microphone and I would climb the platform upon which the race officials wave the various flags to instruct the drivers during the race.

As I climbed up to sing, I remember the words of track owner Steve Rubin, who calmed my worries by commenting, “To my knowledge, nobody has ever shot the person who sings the anthem, no matter how badly it is done.”

I wish I could share the view from that platform with each and every one of our readers and a couple million others.

When I reached the top, turned and faced the very large American flag, which was waving on the east side of the track, across from the grandstand, the picture of America and patriotism was graphic.

Every engine was quiet, every person in the infield by their cars was either standing at strict attention or had their hand over their heart or both and throughout the anthem nobody moved.

People tell me I did an OK job, but if they only knew how close I came to choking up, they would understand how proud I felt to live in this great country.

The emotion of the moment was enormous and I doubt that I will ever experience that exact feeling again.

Race people are special and I mean that sincerely and if asked to return, I would be honored because beef night at Huset's, Memorial Day evening is a one of a kind deal.

I hope when this paper hits your mailbox you are done planting. Thanks and remember our kids.

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