50 Amsterdam veterans honored at the Spa

SARATOGA, NY (NEWS10) -- It was a special day at the Saratoga Race Course. America's Pastime Stables, with the help of sponsors and assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, organized a free trip for 50 veterans, busing them with a police escort from Amsterdam to the Spa.

The veterans were honored in the paddock and given American flags as a token of their service. They got to meet with some of the jockeys, as well as trainer Chad Brown. Brian Spagnola, manager at America's Pastime Stables, was thrilled to do this for the veterans.

"Just talking, we just kind of came up with how great it would be to get a day out for, you know, sort of our elderly vets who, it's not as easy to get up here," said Spagnola. "It's just been a great day. I mean, these guys are guys and girls are thrilled to be out here meeting with the jockeys and the trainers. It's just really heartwarming."

"It means a lot that people are starting to recognize what veterans have done for them," said Jim Galarneau, who served in the Navy from 1964 to 1970. "It's an honor and an honor that we serve for you. I will serve again if I have to."