Veterans Memorial Project Gains First Corporate Backer in Batesville

BATESVILLE, Ark. — A significant project honoring local military veterans has secured its first corporate sponsor, advancing efforts to establish a $500,000 memorial along the White River.

First Community Bank has agreed to partner with the Independence County Veterans Memorial initiative, according to project organizers. The partnership marks a pivotal step in the memorial’s development, which aims to honor service members from all branches of the military.

Joshua Morrison, Independence County’s veterans service officer and commander of the Veterans Memorial Board, expressed gratitude to the bank for its support. “We are profoundly grateful that First Community Bank has stepped up to contribute to this project,” Morrison said. “Our veterans have done more than we can ever thank them for, and this memorial will be a special part of the Batesville and Independence County landscape for generations to come.”

The plan for the Veterans Memorial includes a permanent monument located in Riverside Park. A brick-lined walkway engraved with the names of past and current service members will be a central feature. The campaign to raise the estimated $500,000 needed for construction officially launched in September.

Boris Dover, president and chief operating officer of First Community Bank, spoke about the importance of the project. “Our veterans and their families have given so much in service to our country, and we’re proud to play a part in honoring them,” Dover said. “The Independence County Veterans Memorial will be a lasting tribute and a special place for our community to reflect, remember and show its gratitude.”

The memorial is planned for development in three phases:

- **Phase One:** Installation of flag bases and a perimeter of flags. - **Phase Two:** Construction of a central monument complex representing the seven core values of the military. - **Phase Three:** Addition of an open-air pavilion to provide shaded space for reflection and rest.

To further support the project, personalized memorial bricks engraved with service members’ names are available for $150 each. Organizers are encouraging community participation to help bring the vision of the memorial to life.

For more information about the project or to purchase a memorial brick, residents can call 870-793-8812 or email icvetmemorial@gmail.com.