Two National Guard soldiers killed in a helicopter crash in March were honored at Saratoga Race Course on Thursday.

Casey Frankoski and John Grassia III, a state trooper, died in the crash near the U.S. Mexico border. Jacob Pratt was severely injured and has had multiple surgeries and hospital stays before entering rehab.

A tribute was held after the fifth race of the day – not only for those families but for all military veterans past and present.

Jim Frankoski said their lives are basically divided into before the accident and after the accident.

“Our lives will never be the same. Our goal is just to keep our kids memories’ alive. We don’t want people to forget.”

The families have bonded in their grief.

“We’re better together,” said Judy Grassia said, adding that they bought a camp next to the Frankoskis.

“We feel comfort because nobody really knows other than four of us what we’re experiencing,” Jim Frankoski said.

Jill Frankoski said the community support has been terrific.

“Honestly, I don’t even know how we would have gotten through without the support of our community, our family and our friends,” she said. “Of course, every day, it is very, very difficult for us when we wake up. But knowing that we have all of the support has really made a tremendous help in our long road.”