Progress Celebration

A crowd of more than 200 didn't let a light rain dampen their enthusiasm and support for a Sunday afternoon celebration of the progress of the beautiful and dramatic Rector Veterans Memorial Park. Highlights of the ceremony were an address by Gen. George Barker and the raising of the flags in the monument area.

"This wonderful park will serve as the home for our Rector-area veterans," said Barker, a Rector native and retired Maj. Gen. in the U.S. Army. He also serves as co-chairman of the veterans park committee.

Park Centerpiece

The centerpiece of the park is a bronze statue of a World War II soldier standing more than six feet high and weighing 500 pounds. "The big guy will stand watch over our park and our veterans' home for generations to come," Gen. Barker said.

The statue, "At Rest," was sculpted by Gary Alsum of Loveland, Colo. It is dedicated to all the men and women who have served in the armed forces of our country. Gen. Barker praised the abilities and dedication of the young men and women who are serving the nation today in uniform. "This park is dedicated to them, and we also should not forget the sacrifices their families make during their time of service."

American Flag

Wheeler Williams, a decorated Marine hero from Rector who served in the Pacific in World War II, led the crowd from the program area to the central monument. The U.S. flag was raised for the first time at the monument and he led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Three other flags then were raised -- the Arkansas flag, a "We Support Our Troops" flag and a POW/MIA flag.

Then came a moving event in which each of the five Armed Forces flags were raised -- Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard -- as each service song played in the background. Those who served in each branch of service stepped forward to salute the flag as it was raised.

Members of the Arkansas National Guard, led by Staff Sgt. Joel Hayes of Rector, were in charge of the flag ceremony.

Committee member Ron Kemp gave an update on the progress of the park and recognized numerous people who have been involved with its development. He said the formal dedication, when the park is completed, tentatively is set for Labor Day, 2012.

Kemp said the central area of the park essentially is completed, other than a dramatic lighting plan that will illuminate the flags and the statue. "We anticipate that being one of the highlights of the park and should attract even more visitors in the future," Kemp said. "There is no question this will be a veterans park that will draw interest from this entire region."

Additional elements that will be added are a ceremonial area (including a stage), a meditation area that features a pergola, landscaping berms and an expanded parking area.

"We will never be completely finished with the park in that we want to keep adding new features," Gen. Barker said. He also has stressed to committee members a plan to incorporate educational elements into the park so that students can learn about military history and the heritage established by our veterans.

In the central area, there will is a Memorial Wall that will be dedicated to Rector-area soldiers who were killed in action. There also is a Founders Wall for those who make major contributions prior to Dec. 31. More information on both walls can be obtained by contacting any committee member.

The Heritage Walk also was viewed by those in attendance. It features pavers honoring all veterans. The pavers can be purchased from Betty Benson at Rector City Hall or online at www.rectorheroes.com.

During his comments, Kemp noted the property for the park was donated by Sherland and Barbara Hamilton, George and Ronti Jernigan, Robert and Diane Jernigan and the late Pauline Crockett.

Kemp also recognized the contributions of construction superintendent Steve Champ, architect John Mack, concrete contractor Greg Bohr, decorative rock contractor

Buddy McBride and landscape contractor Adams Nursery. All the financing for the project is coming from private donations, Kemp said.

Mayor David Freeman

"Every great project has a great leader," Kemp said during his comments. "And we have a great leader in Gen. George Barker. He has inspired us all to make this park what it is today and it is through his leadership that it will continue to be developed at a level that will make the entire community and area proud of what we have here. It is a wonderful tribute to our veterans and that is what we all are striving to accomplish." Welcoming remarks for the ceremony were made by Rector mayor David Freeman. The mayor commented on the magnificence of the park and the great manner in which it honors our veterans.

The invocation was by Ken Roden and Amber Bucy sang "God Bless America." The sound system was provided by Joey Pruett, and Sigsby Insurance provided a tent for the ceremony.

Committee members include Gen. Barker and Glenn Leach (co-chairman), Williams, Kemp, Benson, Melvin Bridges, Barbara Hamilton, Richard Simmons, Danny Ford, Paul Frets and Sarah Pruett.