NYRA to host annual Military Appreciation Day on August 27

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) will honor the courage, service and sacrifice of America’s veterans and active-duty service members during its annual Military Appreciation Day on Thursday, August 27, at historic Saratoga Race Course. This year’s event is presented by Ford.

All active-duty military personnel and veterans will receive free admission with proper identification. Complimentary tickets will also be made available by NYRA to all branches of currently serving military and veterans through VetTix.org.

“NYRA is honored to welcome veterans and active-duty personnel to Saratoga Race Course for Military Appreciation Day, a tradition that gives our racing community an opportunity to express our immense gratitude to these individuals,” said David O’Rourke, NYRA President & CEO. “We look forward to celebrating their service and sacrifice in defense of our nation.”

The afternoon will feature a full slate of special programming and recognition, including a precision jump by members of the West Point Parachute Team, a pair of ceremonial bell ringers, a race honoring veterans and active service members, a performance by the 10th Mountain Division Band from Fort Drum, military hardware displays and representatives of the nation’s military academies.

Saratoga will also host a Toys for Tots Collection Drive in support of the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Fans are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to the track, where Marines will be on hand with collection boxes to accept donations. All donated toys will be distributed to children and families in need throughout the region during the holiday season.

Two veterans will serve as ceremonial bell ringers during the afternoon, each ringing the bell in the Winner’s Circle at 17 minutes to post prior to the second and third races.

Among those honored will be centenarian Pete McDonald, a World War II Navy veteran and 100-year-old resident of The Wesley Community, a senior living campus in Saratoga Springs. McDonald will join several dozen Wesley residents who are veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam for Military Appreciation Day and will ring the bell prior to the second race named for The Wesley Community.

McDonald volunteered for military service at age 18 and was assigned to the Navy after completing torpedo school. He served as a torpedoman and spent time at sea during the period surrounding the threat at Pearl Harbor. One of his most meaningful memories is when he and his fellow service members returned home, passing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and realizing they were about to arrive back on American soil.

The second bell ringer will be 94-year-old Korean War veteran Paul O’Keefe, a longtime military chaplain and community servant who has devoted decades to supporting veterans, firefighters and their families.

O’Keefe was drafted into the U.S. Army Infantry and deployed to Korea at age 22 and served with the 24th Infantry Division. Following his military service, O’Keefe spent 33 years as a laboratory technician at General Electric Silicones. He also dedicated 65 years to the Mechanicville and Hemstreet Park fire departments, including 56 years as chaplain of the latter.

Known by many as “a veteran’s veteran,” O’Keefe will ring the ceremonial bell prior to the third race which will be named in honor of all veterans and active-duty service members.

The 10th Mountain Division Band from Fort Drum will perform trackside between races, while a variety of military vehicles and hardware will be on display during the afternoon. Representatives of the nation’s various military academies will also participate in the day’s activities.

Members of the New York State Military Museum will be at Jockey Silks to showcase a selection of items and artifacts from the museum’s collection, providing fans with an opportunity to learn more about New York’s military history.

Donald Scott, an Air Force veteran from Colonie, will also be stationed at the Jockey Silks Porch with a display of his paintings and portraits of military veterans. Scott has taken up painting as a hobby, with a particular emphasis on honoring veterans of World War II through his artwork.

The Buzz Box, a mobile barber shop operated by the New York Army National Guard, will offer complimentary haircuts to fans in partnership with Spa City Barbershop. The Buzz Box travels to major events across the country and works with local barbers to provide free haircuts. The mobile unit will be located inside Gate A near Horse Sense.

Highlighted by the 157th renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million DraftKings Travers on Saturday, August 29, the Saratoga summer meet continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 7.

For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.