Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery Opens in Birdeye
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: March 6, 2012
The Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at Birdeye (Cross County) is now open for interments, according to the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs.
The cemetery will be the final resting place for veterans, their spouses and dependents. It is the second veterans' cemetery operated by the state; the other is located in North Little Rock.
"This cemetery was established to honor all veterans and their eligible family members," said Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs Director David Fletcher. "Almost five years of hard work has resulted in the completion of one of the most beautiful veterans' cemeteries in the United States."
The 100 acre property was purchased by the state in 2008. Construction began in the fall of 2010, following a groundbreaking ceremony with Governor Mike Beebe.
The first interment was conducted in February when Colonel Thomas Blake, an Air Force veteran, was laid to rest. Before his passing, Blake led a committee of individuals in selecting the land on which the cemetery is now built.
Veterans, family members, veteran service organizations, community members, and funeral home directors are encouraged to visit this cemetery. Burial pre-arrangements are encouraged. Veterans are not required to be Arkansas residents to be interred there.
A dedication ceremony is scheduled at the cemetery for Friday, May 4 at one o'clock in the afternoon. The event will be open to the public.
Click here for more information on the Arkansas State Veterans' Cemetery at Birdeye.
The cemetery will be the final resting place for veterans, their spouses and dependents. It is the second veterans' cemetery operated by the state; the other is located in North Little Rock.
"This cemetery was established to honor all veterans and their eligible family members," said Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs Director David Fletcher. "Almost five years of hard work has resulted in the completion of one of the most beautiful veterans' cemeteries in the United States."
The 100 acre property was purchased by the state in 2008. Construction began in the fall of 2010, following a groundbreaking ceremony with Governor Mike Beebe.
The first interment was conducted in February when Colonel Thomas Blake, an Air Force veteran, was laid to rest. Before his passing, Blake led a committee of individuals in selecting the land on which the cemetery is now built.
Veterans, family members, veteran service organizations, community members, and funeral home directors are encouraged to visit this cemetery. Burial pre-arrangements are encouraged. Veterans are not required to be Arkansas residents to be interred there.
A dedication ceremony is scheduled at the cemetery for Friday, May 4 at one o'clock in the afternoon. The event will be open to the public.
Click here for more information on the Arkansas State Veterans' Cemetery at Birdeye.
