Memorial Day Service held in Monette

Monette American Legion Post 136 hosted a Memorial Day tribute to veterans on Sunday at the Monette Cemetery. The services were held in the newly constructed pavilion on the south side of the cemetery.

Former Post Commander Jerry Reed welcomed the veterans and their families in attendance. He led the opening prayer and placed an American flag in the soil west of the pavilion, signifying the beginning of the special tribute to fallen soldiers.

“The Monette American Legion began in 1919,” Reed said. “We continue to support our veterans and their families. There are no stronger bonds than relationships between service families, many who had soldiers who fought and died together. Each year we have new graves to place flags on and loved ones to grieve with. These flags may fade but not the symbol that they stand for, as that remembrance will be with us until the end of our time here on earth.”

The Color Guard veterans presented the flags, with Post Commander Brandon Decker carrying the U.S. Flag and Bill Craig carrying the Arkansas Flag. Dick Pace blew Taps.

Veterans present included Jerry Reed, Janet Rolland, Steve Morrison, Bob Blankenship, Brandon Decker, Robin Ashley, Dick Pace, Bill Craig, Phillip Davis, Larry Rolland and Robert Chambers.

Guest speaker for the day was American Legion Post Chaplain Robert Chambers.

“None of our soldiers here are forgotten,” Chambers said. “We need to pray for our nation and our veterans. I am reminded how God sacrificed His own Son for us, in John 15:13 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,' and the scripture Matthew 5:4 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.'"

Monette Mayor Bob Blankenship dedicated the new pavilion and thanked the city council, city employees, and community residents for their support in taking care of the cemetery.

“John Paul and Ann Masner left money from their estate to be used for this cemetery and to build this pavilion,” Blankenship said. “We want to thank them. City Councilman Mark Rolland is over the Cemetery Commission and drew up and oversaw the pavilion construction. Dylan Stewart is doing a great job of mowing and taking care of cemetery maintenance. So many people make donations to keep our cemetery beautiful, so we can come here and pay honor to those who have passed before us.”

Blankenship led the closing prayer.

Monette American Legion Post members placed USA flags along main street at the intersection of Hwy. 18 and Hwy. 139, and at the Monette Cemetery, on Saturday, May 23. Veterans also placed flags on the graves of the fallen at the Macey and Black Oak Cemeteries.