Newman, Schumacher Pay Poignant Visit to Arlington National Cemetery, 9/11 Pentagon Memorial

(U.S. Army Racing drivers Tony Schumacher (NHRA, left) and Ryan Newman (NASCAR, right) participate in a wreath ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Thursday in Washington D.C. Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Turner, USAAC G7)

U.S. Army Racing drivers Ryan Newman (NASCAR) and Tony Schumacher (NHRA) paid solemn tribute Thursday to our nation's heroes in powerful, emotional visits to both the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery and the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial. 

Schumacher and Newman were humbled and honored by the experience as they laid a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a symbol of all unaccounted for American Soldiers lost in combat. The Tomb commemorates the spirit of devotion, sacrifice and courage of the American Soldier, and has been guarded 24/7 since 1930. 

"It was indeed a somber honor to stand there in front of the Tomb and reflect on the dedication and sacrifices of our American heroes who have fought for our freedom," said Schumacher, who is in his 11th season driving the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster for Don Schumacher Racing. "It was an emotional moment that I will never forget." 

Newman was equally touched by the experience in the sacred military shrine. 

"Just staring at the Tomb and then seeing all of those delicately-placed white marble headstones is one powerful reminder that we must never take for granted the many sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform," said Newman, who is in his third season driving the No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet for Stewart-Haas Racing. 

Following the Arlington National Cemetery visit, Newman and Schumacher laid a wreath at the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial which was designed as a place for remembrance, reflection and renewal. 

The design captures that moment in time at 9:37 a.m., Sept. 11, 2001 when 184 lives from the Pentagon and American Airlines Flight 77 became intertwined for eternity. Each Memorial Unit is a cantilevered bench and a permanent tribute to each victim in a single element. Beneath each bench is a pool of flowing water, lit at night to illuminate the Memorial park. 

"It was another emotional visit to see this magnificent and well-thought-out Memorial," said Newman, a 15-time NASCAR Sprint Cup race winner. "This Memorial will ensure that the 184 lives that were lost here 10 years ago will never be forgotten." 

"It's an amazingly-designed Memorial and we need to keep the 184 victims in our hearts," said Schumacher, a seven-time NHRA season champion. "I was deeply touched by the Memorial." 

Following the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial visit, the U.S. Army drivers met with Secretary of the Army, John M. McHugh, U.S. Army Chief of Staff, General Raymond T. Odierno and Sergeant Major of the Army, Raymond F. Chandler. 

"We experienced so much emotion and history today," stated Schumacher. "I feel both fortunate and proud to be the Army's representative on the NHRA circuit. Walking the historic Pentagon corridors was indeed a privilege." 

Said Newman, "It was an insightful, moving and inspiring day to visit both Arlington National Cemetery and the Pentagon. After today, it makes me even more proud to wear the Army uniform and drive the Soldiers' car." 

In observance of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, Newman's No. 39 U.S. Army Chevrolet will have a special paint at this weekend's NASCAR Sprint Cup race in Richmond, Va. His car will carry the names of the 75 U.S. Army personnel killed in the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon. Schumacher's U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster carried the 9/11, U.S. Army paint scheme last week at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis. The 9/11 paint scheme will also be on Schumacher's dragster at next week's NHRA national event in Charlotte, N.C.