ARLINGTON PARK SALUTES MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS SATURDAY

As part of a star-spangled afternoon that appropriately includes Arlington’s historic American Derby, more than 30 recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor will be saluted between Saturday’s races at Chicago’s premier oval.

The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military award for uncommon valor in combat, and the United States Military Corps Color Guard will individually recognize each of those Medal of Honor recipients in winner’s circle ceremonies.

In American history, fewer than 3,500 individuals have been deemed to have served with such extraordinary courage that they were presented with the only military award both approved and presented by the President of the United States.

Other highlights of Medal of Honor weekend July 11-13 will include a display of military vehicles, and on Saturday evening Arlington Park will host “In the Company of Heroes 2008” – a fundraising dinner honoring the recipients.

NBC-5 anchorman Bob Sirott will serve as the master of ceremonies at Saturday’s dinner. Tickets are available at $1,000 per seat and $10,000 per table with all proceeds going to the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.


MEDIA ADVISORY – 12:30 P.M. POST SATURDAY

Racing fans are reminded that post time for the first race this Saturday during Arlington Park’s Million Preview Day will be 12:30 p.m.

The 12-race card will feature three graded stakes races – the Grade II American Derby for 3-year-olds, the Grade III Arlington Handicap for older horses, and the Grade III Modesty Handicap for fillies and mares.