The New York Racing Association 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 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 numerous races on the day's card. The service members represented the sacrifices of those who have defended the United States from World War II through the present era.

Several 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. Prior to the race, 94-year-old World War II veteran Gary Iorio of Bellmore, NY rang the bell in the winner's circle seven times at 17 minutes to post, a longstanding tradition at Saratoga.

Performers from the USO Show Troupe, an American tradition that entertains approximately 600,000 service members and their families annually worldwide, greeted guests with patriotic songs as they arrived at the Clubhouse entrance. Local acapella group Racing City Chorus greeted guests at the Union Avenue gates. Additionally, a U.S. Marine Corps F-150 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 circle during the National Anthem, which was performed by the Racing City Chorus. The National Anthem was accompanied by a Presentation of Colors from cadets of the United States Military Academy at West Point.

The Racing City Chorus continued to entertain guests on the track apron with a patriotic medley following the day's third race. The USO Show Troupe came trackside for a special performance on the apron following the day's fifth race. Additionally, both groups performed at the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion throughout the afternoon. 

The Community Outreach Booth hosted the Jewish War Veterans Post 36 of Saratoga Springs, a non-profit organization which brings together military veterans of all eras in the greater Saratoga Jewish community to offer support on issues relating to veterans. 

Numerous activities were available for guests at the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion throughout the afternoon, including a pull-up bar challenge with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Other military-related organizations represented at the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion included the Blue Star Mothers; A Beacon of Love; Disabled American Veterans; Gurtler Bros. VFW Post 420; Lansingburgh VFW; New York Army National Guard; Patriot Flight; Saratoga American Legion; Stars for Our Troops; STRIDE Adaptive Sports; United States Navy; and the Veterans Business Council.

The 2017 season at historic Saratoga Race Course continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, call 518-584-6200 or visit www.NYRA.com/Saratoga.