Here’s Where to Honor our Veterans in Central Arkansas

11/08/2013

One of our country’s more revered holidays is Monday.  It’s the day we honor those who fought for our country, all paying a very high price including the individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice. There will be Veterans Day observances held all around Central Arkansas to say “thank you.”

A couple of the events are prior to Monday.  At the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History,  a new exhibit — “First Call: American Posters of World War I” — opens on Friday, Nov. 8.  It runs through November 2014 in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I.

Veterans_MacArthur

More than 30 pieces of historical ephemera comprise the display.  According to the museum, “Posters played an important role in World War I, used not only to justify involvement in the conflict, but also to procure men and resources for the war effort. The designs were mass produced by the government and urged citizens to join the military, buy war bonds or volunteer for the Red Cross. Posters helped raise more than $30 billion through the Liberty and Victory Loan drives and promoted home front conservation efforts.”  The museum is located in downtown Little Rock’s MacArthur Park.

Saturday, Nov. 9 brings a Veterans Day Celebration and Blues Concert, sponsored by the North Little Rock Sertoma Club. Events begin at 12: 30 p.m. in North Little Rock’s Riverfront Park and include a wreath ceremony, a motorcycle brigade and musical entertainment provided by “E.C. Four on the Floor,” “Wayne Sharp & The Sharpshooters,” “Gil Franklin Band,” and “David Kimbrough, Jr. Band.” Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and join in the Blues Jam. No alcohol or coolers allowed; bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. 

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, the Clinton Presidential Center  is offering free admission in honor of those who have served in defense of our freedoms. How appropriate it is to celebrate this day at one of the only 13 Presidential Libraries around the nation. AcoustiGuide audio tours narrated by President Clinton will also be free.  The Clinton Center is located at 1200 President Clinton Avenue in the downtown Little Rock River Market.

Two North Little Rock venues are having observances in honor of the country’s veterans on Nov. 11.  A Veterans Day Ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the North Little Rock Veterans Memorial, Laman Plaza. Keynote speaker is Paul Suskie, LTC ARNG-DSJA and Afghanistan and Iraq veteran.

The submarine group Razorback Base and the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum  are sponsoring ceremonies paying respects to all that served, especially those who lost their lives while on a U.S. submarine. Start time is 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the museum, located on the Arkansas River in downtown North Little Rock. Karilyn Brown, president of the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery Beautification Council is the guest speaker.  Refreshments will follow.

Governor Mike Beebe is the keynote speaker for the Veterans Day Ceremony at the River Market East Pavilion  in downtown Little Rock. Presented by the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs,  activities begin at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11. The 106th U.S. Army Band and the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System Chorale are providing entertainment.

The Jacksonville Museum of Military History is having a Veterans Day Concert at 7 p.m. on Nov. 11.  Jacksonville High School Choirs and the museum present “Salute Through Song” which includes a musical tribute to each of the armed forces branches: “The Army Song,” “Anchors Aweigh,” “The Marine Hymn,” “The U.S. Air Force,” and “Semper Paratus.”  “Song for the Unsung Hero” is performed in tribute to POWs and MIAs while “Tell My Father” is a salute to the fallen.  Also are speeches by students honoring our troops, display of the Arkansas Fallen Heroes Memorial Flag Field.