Tribute to fallen heroes
Posted on Thursday, September 4, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/wrvn/News/4234/
FAYETTEVILLE -- A living memorial ceremony honoring fallen soldiers in American wars is going to be much more at the Sept. 13 ceremony.
Inolene Skelton, who lost a son in war, began the living memorial tribute on the grounds of the Veterans Home in Fayetteville two years ago. Each month a dedication ceremony takes place. “ This year we’re doing so much more other than the usual tribute, ” Skelton said. “ It’s going to be a larger ceremony. ”
The September living memorial will be places to honor Lance Corporal Brian Chase Hopper, who was born Oct. 23, 1983 and died Jan. 26, 2005 in Iraq.
The ceremony this time will also include a tribute to those who died Sept. 11, 2001.
“ Since it’s so close to 9 / 11, were’ going to lay a wreath in honor of those victims, ” Skelton said. “ We’ll go from there to honoring the 85 Arkansas fallen heroes from Arkansas in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. ”
Skelton said a flag and wreath would honr each of those soldiers.
For a grand finale after honoring Lance Corporal Hopper, Col. David Phillips will speak in honor of his father 90-year-old Vero Phillips, a World War II veteran. Phillips will present his father with a medal he earned during the war.
“ It’s going to be beautiful, ” Skelton said.
The ceremony will take place at 2 p. m. on the grounds of the Fayetteville Veterans Home.