Canadian soldiers will be getting some special recognition this weekend, as the official Grand
Marshall for the 2009 Edmonton Indy was unveiled Thursday.
Canadian Forces Warrant Officer David George Shultz is going to wave the flag and shout the famous words “Ladies and Gentleman, Start Your Engines,” as the drivers are unleashed to the track.
“I am truly honoured and excited like you can’t imagine,” said Warrant Officer Shultz.
Warrant Officer Shultz has served six overseas deployments since beginning his service in 1988, including Croatia, Bosnia, and, most recently, two in Afghanistan that included combat and emergency missions.
“We are very lucky, privileged, to have people like Dave to protect us and be involved in anything that the country requires,” said racer Alex Tagliani, who posed for photos with Shultz in front of his car.
“This is a big event for Canada when they’re calling a guy like him to represent our country and to show up in front and say those most famous words … it gives you chills as a driver,” Tagliani added.
Shultz also recalled the people he served with and those who were lost and injured in Afghanistan.
“It’s a little tough to think about everything, but the troops that I had out there, they’re the ones that deserve the recognition,” he said.
Shultz now serves as Regimental Veterans Care Warrant Officer for Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry.
The Rexall Edmonton Indy revs up it’s engines Friday and speeds through Sunday.
