Dynamic Duo to be Co-Honorary Grand Marshals of Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The 15th annual Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival (www.fleetweeksandiego.org/events/speed-fest.html) September 22-23 is not only a celebration of speed and muscle cars, but a tribute to our nation's military, this year honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Navy SEALs. To that end, two distinguished gentlemen have been named Co-Grand Marshals of the 2012 event.
The first is champion wrestler and well-known auto lover Bill Goldberg. Goldberg is a former professional wrestler who holds the distinct record of having the longest undefeated streak in World Championship Wrestling with 173 consecutive victories. In 1997, he defeated Hulk Hogan for the World Championship Wrestling heavyweight title, earning him recognition as one of the 100 most powerful people in the sports industry by The Sporting News. An avid car buff, he has hosted both Garage Mahal on the DIY Network and Bullrun on the Speed channel, and has an extensive collection of restored vintage cars.
"I do as much as I can for the men and women who fight for our freedom," Goldberg says. "Being able to say thank you in such a wonderful setting around such cool automobiles, what an honor."
The Fleet Week Coronado Speed Festival is proud to help celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Navy SEALs. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and John F. Kennedy determined a need for developing an unconventional warfare capability to counter a menacing Soviet threat, turmoil in places like Indonesia and Malaysia, and rising insurgency problems in South Vietnam. Since their inception in 1962, from the Mekong Delta to the Hindu Kush, deep at sea or far into the desert, SEALs have conducted some of our nation's most critical missions. Navy SEAL teams have an impressive battlefield record, having earned every significant military award, including five Medals of Honor. Those successes do not come without countless acts of heroism and profound sacrifice.
To represent the Navy SEALs, Coronado Speed Festival is privileged to have one of the most honored SEALs in history, Rear Admiral Cathal "Irish" Flynn. In 1960, Irish Flynn joined the Navy, completed basic underwater demolition training, and was assigned to Underwater Demolition Team Eleven at the Coronado Amphibious Base. Having lived in Ireland and suffered through its winters, he soon thought of Coronado as heaven, an opinion confirmed when Edith Kurtz, a Coronado girl, consented to become his wife. They have two daughters and four grandchildren, all of whom live in San Diego.
He subsequently served in the Coronado-based SEAL Team ONE, and commanded UDT Twelve and Naval Special Warfare Group ONE. He also served in many other Navy and Joint commands. Eventually, he became the first SEAL promoted to flag rank.
Military and Kids FREE
Once again, all active duty, active reserve and their direct-dependent military ID-holders will enjoy free admission to this year's event. Active duty military, active reservists and dependent ID-holders will not need tickets and will enter through a specially-designated gate. Admission is free for children 12 and under, both military and non-military. Thanks to our sponsors who have enabled this event to honor our nation's military in this way.
For the public, tickets cost $25 for one day and $35 for both days, in advance at www.fleetweeksandiego.org. Tickets will also be available at the venue ($35 one day and $45 for both days).
About Coronado Speed Festival and Fleet Week San Diego
The Coronado Speed Festival is Fleet Week San Diego's preeminent event. Fast-paced, thrilling auto racing and exhibitions for car enthusiasts of all ages mark the widespread draw of this event. Staged at one of racings' most distinctive locations – Naval Air Station North Island, the birthplace of Naval Aviation – it's the only place to see live racing on an active U.S. Navy runway.
Fleet Week San Diego 2012 events will take place from September 8 through October 14. The non-profit, 501(c)(3) foundation was created by community and business leaders who understood the great depth of public support for our Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen. In addition to honoring the military services through the annual Fleet Week San Diego events, the foundation's goals are to foster awareness of the contributions made by military personnel and their families; to enhance relationships between the civilian, business and military communities; to provide events that military personnel and their families can attend at little or no cost; and to promote other organizations that provide services to military personnel and their families. Fleet Week San Diego is funded solely through the generosity of individuals and corporate contributions. More information is available at http://www.fleetweeksandiego.org/donate.html.
A schedule of the events that fall under Fleet Week San Diego is also posted at www.fleetweeksandiego.org/events.html or you can find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fleetweeksd or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fleetweeksd.
SOURCE Coronado Speed Festival and Fleet Week San Diego
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