Saratoga Race Course will pay tribute to members of the armed forces, both past and present, with the return of "Proud to be an American Day" at race course on Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Presented by the New York Racing Association (NYRA), the day will feature free grandstand admission for all United States active 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.

The day will include musical tributes to the military, as well as interactive displays, named races and a visit from the reigning Miss New York and former Miss America.

Patrons will have the opportunity to send a free video greeting card with a personalized message to troops overseas. From 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. fans can record the electronic message on DVD near the Big Red Spring with one of Saratoga’s signature scenes in the background.

Miss New York 2009, Alyse Zwick, an active veterans’ supporter and granddaughter of a WWII veteran, will be at the booth to greet patrons as they record a special message of encouragement. Zwick, 23, from Westchester County will compete for the title of Miss America in Las Vegas in January 2010.

Fans can also record a general electronic greeting on DVD that will be mailed to troops by Operation Adopt a Soldier, a Wilton-based organization that provides support to active military, veterans and their families. For more information about the organization visit www.operationadoptasoldier.org.