Development of a magnificent veterans memorial for Rector is a step closer to reality following a special meeting Monday morning of the project's executive committee at city hall.

Committee co-chairman George Barker of New York City was in the area and convened the group for a review of completed tasks and a look to the future.

The dramatic memorial will be located on Main Street in Rector, just south of the old city jail facility, which recently was added to the National Historic Register. The memorial will be coupled with the jail facility (new visitors center) to provide an attractive park-like setting for those entering the central business district.

Barker, a native of Rector and a retired two-star general, presented several proposed sketches of the memorial's centerpiece, a World War II soldier in full combat gear. The committee continues to review proposals for the bronze statue and hopes to make a decision on a sculptor in the near future.

Artists sketch

The memorial will highlight all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and pay special tribute to Rector soldiers who were killed in action in service to their country.

The memorial fund currently contains $20,000. Barker has placed an estimated cost for the memorial in the $100,000 range. "This is a great memorial which will draw people from throughout the area," said committee co-chairman Glenn Leach, who has been involved for several years in the effort to provide a suitable veterans memorial in the community.

Barker and committee members agreed the next major step is identifying prospective donors of $1,000 or more who will be recognized as a special founders committee. One suggestion was that those who wish to become founding members may pledge $1,000 with half donated this year and the remainder next year. The goal is to complete the memorial by the end of next year.

The drive for founding committee members will include both residents of the community and those who grew up here and have moved away. Executive committee members agreed there will be strong interest in donations because of the nature of the project itself. It is anticipated that a special bronze plaque at the memorial site will recognize founders committee members.

Property for the memorial site is being donated by Sherland Hamilton, Pauline Crockett and George and Robert Jernigan. Hamilton and Barker toured the site Monday morning to determine the amount of property needed and to make preliminary decisions on how the memorial will be situated.

Rector native and artist Paul Frets of Virginia is working on site development plans and mayor Ron Kemp has visited with architect John Mack of Rogers, a Rector native, to determine how he might assist with the project. Kemp also will focus on the development of a website for the project.

A landscape design will be developed and committee member Barbara Hamilton has agreed to spearhead that part of the project.

Administrative support for the project, which is called the Veterans Memorial Park Association, is being provided by the City of Rector.

Committee member Wheeler Williams, a World War II veteran, is working as the liaison with local veterans groups. He was asked by Barker to gain input from local veterans concerning their input and assistance with the project.

Major donations thus far to the project include $10,000 from Barker, $5,000 from committee member Melvin Bridges of California and $1,000 from Leach. Barker said a foundation board on which he serves will match his $10,000 donation. He also has announced that he will donate an additional $10,000 next year with the same amount again matched by the foundation. All donations to the memorial are tax-deductible and can be mailed to the Veterans Memorial Park Association, 409 South Stewart, Rector, AR 72461.

It is anticipated the VMPA will have a booth available at the Rector Labor Day Picnic to distribute brochures on the project that are being developed by Barker.

Committee members present Monday were Barker, Leach, Williams, Barbara Hamilton, Ford and Kemp (ex-officio member). Also present were Sherland Hamilton and city officials Betty Benson and Jacinda Welch. Other committee members are Frets, Bridges, Sarah Burdin and Richard Simmons.

Originally published Thursday, June 10, 2009 on ClayCountyDemocrat.com. Reprinted with permission.