Veterans event draws a crowd

by Ethan Nahté

Wreaths Across America’s (WAA) Mobile Education Exhibit (MEE), arrived in Mena Monday afternoon with a small escort of law enforcement with lights flashing, members of the Christian Motorcyclists Association and members of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. They paraded into town past the airport and made their way to the Bob Carver Football Stadium to set up for Tuesday’s event.

Monday night’s stormy weather, and the potential for more bad weather Tuesday, had all involved hoping that the rain would hold off, allowing the public to come partake of the rolling educational museum and something special for the Mena area.

In addition to the exhibit being shown throughout the day by Jennifer Merrill and MEE driver Stefan Brann, an additional patriotic presentation was made by NSDAR.

They organized an early-morning presentation featuring retired U.S. Army Col. Billy R. Wood along with the emcee, retired USAF Senior Master Sgt. Linda Johnson, plus a few words by the James K. Polk Chapter, NSDAR Regent Cortez Copher.

Wood reflected a bit about March 29 and Vietnam veterans, but welcomed all vets to the ceremony.

The presentation also included Lana Gail singing “God Bless America,” the Bearcat Bellas performing the national anthem, and a wreath presentation by Wood and retired USAF Lt. Col. Ernest A. “Skip” Copher to be placed on a memorial stone.

Other veterans were in attendance.  and the stands were filled with students from Mena Middle School in attendance.

The MEE, which began its journey in Maine, will travel through Arkansas until May 3, and will visit several other towns.

The impressive exhibit is 48 feet long,  with a 24-person screening room that showcases different aspects of WAA’s mission utilizing video. Overall, the museum is not only to teach the next generation about service and sacrifice, but to share stories of patriotism and love for the United States. 

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