NYRA honors service members and veterans with Military Appreciation Day at Saratoga Race Course

by Pat Mckenna; Mark Bardack

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today paid tribute to the nation's service members and veterans during Military Appreciation Day at Saratoga Race Course.

The day featured free grandstand and clubhouse admission for all United States military service members and veterans with valid military ID or proof of military service. Additionally, NYRA welcomed local service members and veterans to the winner's circle before each race on the day's card. The service members represented the sacrifices of those who have defended the United States during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Panama, Beirut and Grenada, the Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq and those who are currently serving in the military.

Numerous generations of veterans and service members gathered in the winner's circle for the day's third race named in honor of Military Appreciation Day.

"The New York Racing Association is honored to recognize the service and sacrifice of the men and women of the United States military," said NYRA CEO and President Chris Kay. "Military Appreciation Day is one of the days I look forward to most at Saratoga as we thank those who have given so much to preserve and protect our nation. We thank our service members and veterans for joining us at Saratoga Race Course for a day dedicated in their honor. We owe a great debt to them - our freedom."

Local acapella group Racing City Chorus greeted guests as they arrived at the Union Avenue gates. Additionally, a U.S. Marine Corps 5-15 vehicle was positioned outside the Clubhouse gates throughout the afternoon.

NYRA paid tribute to its service member and veteran employees with a special ceremony in the winner's circleduring the National Anthem, which was performed by the Racing City Chorus. The National Anthem was accompanied by a Presentation of Colors from members of the Naval Support Activity Saratoga.

The Racing City Chorus continued to entertain guests on the track apron following the day's third race. Performers from the USO Show Troupe, an American tradition that entertains approximately 600,000 service members and their families annually worldwide, came trackside for a special performance on the apron following the day's fifth race. Additionally, both groups performed at the Saratoga Pavilion, presented by Time Warner Cable News, throughout the afternoon.

The Community Outreach Booth hosted the Saratoga VFW Post 420, which is dedicated to aiding and supporting local veterans in need. On the national level, the VFW has more than 1.7 million members and contributed more than 8.6 million volunteer hours on an annual basis.

The local chapter of Blue Star Mothers of America, comprised of women whose loved ones are serving in the military, also had a presence on-track adjacent to the Community Outreach Booth. The Blue Star Mothers offer support to military members and their families, including coordinating the delivery of care packages for troops deployed overseas.

Artwork created by veterans participating in the fine arts program of the Veterans Services Project at Living Resources was on display at the Saratoga Pavilion. The program provides local military veterans who have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injuries with an outlet to express their emotions as they transition to civilian life.

The Saratoga Pavilion hosted numerous military and military-related organizations including the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve; the Disabled American Veterans; New York National Guard; New York State Military Museum; Patriot Flight; Saratoga American Legion; Stars for Our Troops; STRIDE Adaptive Sports; United States Navy; Veterans Business Council; and the Veterans Miracle Network.