Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and communities across the Arkansas River Valley are preparing to honor those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
From Russellville’s annual downtown parade to ceremonies, community celebrations and special tributes, the week surrounding Veterans Day will offer several opportunities for residents to show their appreciation.
The annual Pope County–Russellville Veterans Day Parade will begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, along West Main Street in downtown Russellville.
The parade has been described by organizers as one of Arkansas’ largest Veterans Day celebrations, typically featuring 50 to 100 entries, including military vehicles, marching bands, veterans organizations, motorcycles, businesses, churches and community groups.
This year’s Russellville parade will place special emphasis on Gold Star Families — those who have lost a loved one in military service.
Parade entry is free, and all groups are welcome. To enter, email Rick Smith at rick@humphreyfuneral.com with the name of your entry, a contact person, primary and secondary phone numbers, an email address, and the type of entry (float, walkers, vehicle, etc.).
Arkansas Tech University will host a public Veterans Day flag-raising ceremony at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the university’s flagpole in Russellville.
Following the ceremony, veterans with valid identification can receive a free lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Chambers Cafeteria dining area.
Tammy Dougan, a first sergeant in the Arkansas Army National Guard and chief of public safety at ATU, will speak at the ceremony.
The event is organized by the university’s Major General William E. Harmon Office of Veteran Services.
Pope County is also recognizing veterans throughout the week leading up to Veterans Day.
County Judge Ben Cross announced that the Pope County Courthouse in Russellville will be illuminated in green from Nov. 4 through Nov. 11 as part of Operation Green Light.
The nationwide initiative encourages local governments and residents to display green lights as a visible sign of support for veterans.
Residents can participate by displaying green lights at their homes or businesses.
Welcome Home Free Will Baptist Church in Hector will hold a special service honoring veterans of all branches on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 10:30 a.m. A Thanksgiving meal will follow the service, and everyone is invited to stay and eat. For more information, call Pastor Terry Latham at 479-970-9798.
Dover Public Schools will host a Veterans Day celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 9:30 a.m. at Jack Berry Stadium in Dover. The program features the Midnight Brigade, the 106th Army Band and the Dover Junior High Choir, along with guest speakers. After the program, veterans eat lunch free at any Dover school; lunch is $4 for other adults.
The Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce will honor veterans with a Hometown Heroes come-and-go lunch on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Riverside Event Center, 107 N. Front St. in Dardanelle. Hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and dessert will be served.
Later in the month, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 27 will hold a grand opening for its new building at 500 Tyler Road in Russellville on Friday, Nov. 20, from 2 to 5 p.m.
Paris will hold a Veterans Day parade and program Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The event is listed on the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs’ statewide calendar. Additional information about the parade route and ceremony location was not immediately available.
Fort Smith’s Chaffee Crossing Historic District will host a Veterans Day celebration Saturday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event will feature vintage military vehicles, veterans organization booths, food trucks and activities for children.
U.S. Air Force veteran Sylvia Pitzen Timmons will serve as grand marshal. This year’s celebration will also include a display in memory of the 60th anniversary of the Vietnam War.
The event will take place at 7313 Terry St. in Fort Smith and is free to attend.
Van Buren will celebrate veterans with a parade through its historic downtown Sunday, Nov. 8, beginning at 2 p.m.
Organized by the Old Town Merchants Association, the parade will travel along Main Street. The Van Buren Chamber of Commerce is also encouraging residents to support local veterans.
Families and community members are encouraged to attend and show their appreciation for local veterans.
Veterans Day activities extend beyond parades and ceremonies.
A charity pickleball tournament Saturday, Nov. 7, at The Hangout in Fort Smith will benefit Next Step Homeless Services and veterans programs in the region.
The tournament’s start time should be confirmed with organizers before attending.
Veterans Day, observed annually on Nov. 11, honors all who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
