Colonial Cup’s ‘Salute to the Military’

COLUMBIA, SC – December 19, 2012 – The Carolina Cup Racing Association’s “Salute to the Military” at last month’s 43rd running of the Marion duPont Scott Colonial Cup Steeplechase proved to be a flag-waving event in more ways than one with the unveiling of a mural of “Old Glory” sponsored by McDonald’s. It was sent to a South Carolina National Guard (SCNG) unit now in Afghanistan.

The short ceremony opened with a welcome and the introduction of guests by Camden resident George Sensor, owner of the Camden McDonald’s franchise and owner of Thoroughbred race horses.

Members of the SCNG troops joined members of the Carolina Cup Racing Association (CCRA), Kershaw County Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, officials with the Ronald McDonald House and various community leaders at the National Steeplechase Museum, located on the grounds of the Springdale Race Course in Camden on Tuesday for a picture, taken in front of the mural, which the SCNG sent overseas.

The 2012 Colonial Cup Coloring Mural was, again, sponsored by McDonald’s. In addition to its brightly colored depiction of the American flag, the mural also includes hand-written notes of support, thanks and prayers from Colonial Cup patrons for the Palmetto State troops.

As part of its third annual “Salute to the Military,” the CCRA also provided several thousand free tickets to military members and their families. Colonial Cup Day 2012 featured steeplechase horse racing, the swearing in of U.S. Army recruits, a medley of patriotic songs and on-site entertainment such as Jack Russell Terrier Trials, wagon rides, a carousel, the Carolina Skydiving Team, as well as the Paddock Shoppes retail village.