Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Monument Dedication
The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Monument Dedication was held on September 11th, 2018.
Retired Lt. Col. and WWII B-24 Liberator bomber pilot Wilmer Plate, 489th Bomb Group attended the dedication ceremony.
The audience gathered in the breezeway of the cemetery administration building where the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs Interim Deputy Director, Chris Tafner, welcomed the standing room only crowd.
The Arkansas National Guard Honor Guard presented the Colors. Ms. Tina Bryant sang a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem, and Military Service Coordinator, Antonio Gordon, followed with the Invocation.
The Arkansas Veterans Cemetery Foundation President, Robert Borecky, gave a brief history of the foundation and the GWOT Monument project, and then Ben Gilmore, Deputy Chief of Staff from the Office of Lieutenant Governor Tim Griffin, acknowledged the monument as a gift from the foundation.
Guest Speaker
Brigadier General Marc A. Sicard serves as the Assistant Adjutant General – Air and the Arkansas Air National Guard Commander. He gave a moving speech that honored the men and women who have served in the military since September 11, 2001 and their families.
Unveiling the Monument
The Patriot Guard Riders formed a Flag Line and escorted the crowd from the breezeway, down the hill to the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Monument.
A representative from each of the five branches of service stood alongside the veiled components of the monument before they each saluted BG Sicard and unveiled the Branch monuments in turn.
Goast Guard Representative for the GWOT Monument Dedication. 9/11/2018
Mr. Antonio Gordon offered a Benediction, and then Mr. Chris Tafner offered closing remarks.
Volunteer organizations provided refreshments after the ceremony.
Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Monument
The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Monument was gifted by the Arkansas Veterans Cemetery Foundation, which was made possible through the generosity of local businesses, veterans, and military organizations that volunteer and offer financial support.
Pictured are Mr. Antonio Gordon (Leftt), Mr. Ben Gilmore (Center), and BG Marc Sicard (Right) during the unveiling of the GWOT Memorial Monument.
Thank You
On behalf of the Arkansas Veterans Cemetery Foundation, thank you to all the veteran service organizations, groups, and individuals that continue to support our efforts. We strive to enhance and maintain the serenity and beauty of the cemetery. With your help, we will continue to provide an honorable place of rest for veterans and a tranquil environment of refection and remembrance for family and friends.
