Saratoga Race Course will honor American spirit and support for our troops with this year's "Proud to be an American" day on Monday afternoon.Highlights of the afternoon include a "Fallen Hero" salute on the main track near the winners' circle at approximately 1:40 p.m. (after the second race). The ceremony, presented by the United States Navy, is to honor all American servicemen and women lost in battle. The salute will include a stirring rendition of the National Anthem followed by a flag jump by members of the Mohawk Valley Skydiving team.Later Monday afternoon, as many as 40 individuals will become United States citizens during a naturalization ceremony, also in the winners' circle. The event will be held after the fourth race, at approximately 2:40 p.m. The 199th Army Band of the New York Army National Guard, also known as "The Governor's Band," will perform a concert ensemble of patriotic music throughout the afternoon near the Carousel restaurant. The band will perform "God Bless America" prior to the sixth race, approximately 3:40 p.m., in the winners' circle."Operation Adopt a Soldier" will be present at the track to collect dry goods and hygienic items for care packages to send to soldiers serving overseas. There will be two drop-off sites set up at Saratoga Race Course, one in the backyard, and one outside the main admission gate on Union Avenue, for those who wish to donate without entering the grounds.The day will include free grandstand admission for all active U.S. military and veterans with a military ID, courtesy of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.
All patrons are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue clothing.
