Beebe dedicates veterans cemetery in Birdeye | News

Title (Max 100 Characters)

Beebe dedicates veterans cemetery in Birdeye

Submitted by KAIT8 Web Staff

Friday, May 4th, 2012, 7:56pm

Topics: News

BIRDEYE, AR (KAIT) - Governor Mike Beebe was the keynote speaker at the dedication of the Birdeye Veterans Cemetery today.

In his remarks Beebe said the choice could not have been better, "This spot, this location may be as perfect a location for veterans and their families to find eternal rest as any place in Eastern Arkansas."

A crowd of about 200 sat under the shade of a 150 year old oak tree to hear the dedication speeches and watch high school ROTC students raise the flag and stand in honor of those present.

Glenn Minor the Department Commander for the American Legion in Arkansas said Northeast Arkansas really needed this cemetery.

"It's very important for veterans to be buried in a cemetery whether National or state cemetery somewhere where their families can come visit their graves."

The cemetery covers about a hundred acres and will be able to accept internments for nearly a hundred years. There is no cost to eligible veterans and spouses and children may also be interred for a minimal cost.

The cemetery began accepting burials in January while finishing touches were still being made.

Following a rifle salute and taps I asked Vietnam Vet Doug Odom what he thought of the cemetery.

"This is one of the most beautiful, yeah. " Odom said., "I can see what the governor had to say about the sun rising and setting on this place will come to pass."

Odom is Captain of the Arkansas Patriot Riders Motorcycle organization. They attend funerals as representatives of veterans who have served. During the ceremony about a dozen members stood with flags around the circular walk.

Overhead a giant flag flapped in the wind. A sentinel to this garden of stone.