Air Force Sergeant Delivers Magnificent National Anthem At Daytona 500
on Feb 18, 2025
The 2025 Daytona 500 Was Held On Sunday, February 15
This year’s Daytona 500 opened with an extraordinary National Anthem performance.
The race, held at the famed Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida, occurred on Sunday, February 15. William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports won the race for a second consecutive year.
The millions of NASCAR fans who tuned in to the race coverage also saw President Donald Trump, who served as the event’s grand marshal. He drew a bunch of cheers from the crowd as his plane, Air Force One, flew directly over the track upon his arrival.
President Trump also led the cars around the track for two laps while riding in his limo, dubbed “The Beast.”
“How you do this I don’t know, but I just want you to be safe,” Trump said in a message to the drivers before the race started. “You’re talented people and you’re great people and great Americans. Have a good day, have a lot of fun and I’ll see you later.”
Air Force Sergeant Performs National Anthem At Daytona 500
Later, Trump was shown enjoying the magnificent National Anthem performance at the Daytona 500, which was a highlight of the day.
Technical Sgt. Michael J. Aiello of the United States Air Force had the honor of performing the Anthem. He sang a cappella while the drivers, their families, and spectators looked on with respect and pride as they listened.
The camera cut to show President Trump for a brief moment, who was standing still and holding his hand up in a salute.
Sgt. Aiello’s performance earned lots of praise from viewers who watched in real time, and from those who watched later on YouTube or social media. Some of the comments on the official YouTube video of his performance include:
“Now THIS is how you sing the National Anthem! God Bless America!”
“Love the National Anthem sung as it should be.”
“Clean singing, good intonation, Much appreciated!!”
“Tears came to my eyes.”
“Wow that was really amazing.”
“Goosebumps baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!! USA USA USA.”
If you missed it, please watch Sgt. Aiello sing the National Anthem at the Daytona 500 in the video below.
