A day at the State Fair is also a day to say thank you to service men and women.

For Military Appreciation Day, service men and women got free admission to the fair and four extra passes for family and friends.

"Spend some time with my family before I go overseas," said Army Private First Class Benjamin Dixon.

Dixon is on his last long leave before heading to Afghanistan in January. He might be able to come home again for Thanksgiving, but that's still not definite.

"Makes me feel pretty good, doing something good with my life," he said about being in Army.

On Wednesday he spent the day at the State Fair with his Mom and Dad.

It's a tradition for the Dixon family.

"So glad to have him home and spend some time. This is something that we used to do when he was younger, so we're doing this today," said Lois Dixon.

Sgt. Eric Blue has also been hitting the fairways since he was a kid.

He's grateful the day has been set aside to say thanks to his fellow service men and women.

"A lot of people I talk to say it should be everyday; but at least one day out of the year, I'm very fortunate for because it lets me know that everyone appreciates what we do," said Blue.

And for Private First Class Dixon's mom, that day is everyday.

"I don't think we can do enough for these guys. They're laying their lives on the line for us so that we can enjoy just everyday things that we take for granted, and so I'm very grateful," said Lois Dixon.