Memorial Day in Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE — From ceremonies at the local Fayetteville National Cemetary to homecoming cookouts in the river valley for members of the returned Arkansas Air National Guard 188th Fighter Squadron, special events saluting our nation’s veterans take center stage in the state of Arkansas.

ArkansasRazorbacks.com encourages all Razorback fans to take a moment this holiday weekend to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to our nation.

At 10 a.m. Monday, at the Fayetteville National Cemetary near the University of Arkansas campus, Fayetteville Mayor Lioneld Jordon will lead the annual memorial event. Also at 10 a.m. in central Arkansas, Governor Mike Beebe is the speaker at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. The Fort Smith National Cemetary conducted its Memorial Day event on Sunday. Here are links to the state’s Veteran’s Affiars and a listing of many Memorial Day events across the state.

In the Fort Smith area, however, celebrations continue for the safe return home of the 188th Fighter Wing, known as The Flying Razorbacks, on May 25. Now piloting the seemingly appropriate A-10C Thunderbolt II, affectionately nicknamed the Warthog, the 188th returned home from active duty in Afghanistan.

While the 188th is home, soldiers from the Arkansas National Guard remain in both the Middle East and Afgahnistan areas, notably members of the Arkansas Agriculture Development Team.

The Arkansas Athletic Department also remembers this Memorial Day the many former Razorback athletes who have served, especially the two Medal of Honor Razorbacks, Maurice "Footsie" Britt and Nathan Gordon. To learn more about these two Arkansas football players who earned the nation’s highest military award, please jump to our Independence Day feature from last summer.