With the conflict in Afghanistan winding down, members of the U.S. Military are looking to celebrate their return home. Many of them will be traveling with their families to Watkins Glen International to enjoy the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen on Sunday, July 1.

After meeting with WGI officials, Fort Drum made the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series event the capstone of its 2012 Mountainfest, an event hosted by the Fort Drum Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation group. More than 25,000 soldiers returning from Afghanistan are currently at Fort Drum, located in upstate New York. Indications are the 2,000 servicemen and their families will take advantage of The Glen’s discounted military offer to attend the race.

The Sahlen’s Six Hours will have a strong patriotic theme as the weekend leading up to the Fourth of July. The circuit host a Veteran Appreciation event hosted by the Odessa American Legion Post 676 and American Red Cross, that will include a variety of military vehicles on display outside Gate 3.

Binghamton, N.Y. serviceman Eric Johnson of the U.S. Air Force will sing the National Anthem prior to the race, Round 2 of the inaugural North American Endurance Championship presented by VISITFLORIDA.com.

The event also supports a patriotic initiative called “NASCAR Unites – An American Salute,” which involves the NASCAR community and fans during a six-week summer period between Memorial Day and Independence Day weekend to celebrate America and support U.S. military families.