SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will pay tribute to the nation’s service members and veterans during Military Appreciation Day at Saratoga Race Course on Wednesday, July 26.
The day will feature free grandstand admission for all United States military service members and veterans with valid military ID or proof of military service. Additionally, NYRA will welcome local service members and veterans to the winner’s circle before numerous races on the day’s card. The service members will represent 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 will gather 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. “I am often asked which day it is that I look forward to the most at Saratoga. Without hesitation, it is this day in which we honor and thank those who have given so much to preserve and protect our nation and our freedom.”
Performers from the USO Show Troupe, an American tradition that entertains approximately 600,000 service members and their families annually worldwide, will greet guests with patriotic songs as they arrive at the Clubhouse entrance beginning at 11:15 a.m. Local acapella group Racing City Chorus will greet guests at the Union Avenue gates. Additionally, a U.S. Marine Corps F-150 vehicle will be positioned outside the Clubhouse gates throughout the afternoon.
NYRA will pay tribute to its service member and veteran employees with a special ceremony in the winner’s circle during the National Anthem, which will be performed by the Racing City Chorus at approximately 11:35 a.m. The National Anthem will be accompanied by a Presentation of Colors from cadets of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
The Racing City Chorus will continue to entertain guests on the track apron with a patriotic medley following the day’s third race at approximately 2:10 p.m. The USO Show Troupe will come trackside for a special performance on the apron following the day’s fifth race at approximately 3:15 p.m. Additionally, both groups will perform at the Berkshire Bank Saratoga Pavilion throughout the afternoon.
The Community Outreach Booth will host 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.
A number of activities will be 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 will include the Blue Star Mothers; 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.
Saratoga season admission passes are currently available for purchase online at www.NYRA.com/Saratoga and in-person at nearly 160 Stewart’s Shops locations. Clubhouse admission passes are available in limited quantities.
Reserved seats at Saratoga Race Course, including reserved tables in the Miller Lite Picnic Paddock or Fourstardave Sports Bar, are available through www.Ticketmaster.com.
The 2017 season at historic Saratoga Race Course begins Friday, July 21 and continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, call 518-584-6200 or visit www.NYRA.com/Saratoga.