The Independence County Veterans Memorial Board has launched a capital campaign to create a lasting tribute to those who have served in the U.S. military. The project, planned for Riverside Park in Batesville, has a $500,000 fundraising goal and aims to preserve the legacy of veterans for generations to come.
Joshua Morrison, commander of the Veterans Memorial Board and the Independence County Veterans Service Officer, emphasized that this effort goes beyond Independence County. “This isn’t just an Independence County project,” Morrison said. “It’s a national memorial placed right in our backyard.”
The planned site will host patriotic ceremonies, school field trips, and regional visitors, with the design featuring seven monuments representing the Army values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. At the center of the memorial, Morrison envisions a display of the U.S. Constitution topped with an open Bible, symbolizing the connection between God and country.
The idea for the memorial stemmed from weekly meetings among veterans that started with a simple car ride. Navy veteran Joe Dry and Marine veteran Gregg Taylor initially bonded during a trip to a VA appointment in Memphis. This connection eventually led to regular gatherings at local establishments, such as Whistle Stop, where more veterans joined in and formed a community that inspired the larger project.
In 2025, the Batesville City Council voted unanimously to grant the board space in Riverside Park for the memorial during the park’s renovations. To help finance the project, the board is selling inscribed bricks for $150 each. Bricks can commemorate any veteran, regardless of their location or the specifics of their service.
For more information about purchasing bricks, contact Joshua Morrison at 870-793-8812 or email icvetmemorial@gmail.com. Additional updates can also be found on the Independence County Veteran’s Memorial Group, LLC Facebook page.