Mountain Home will gather downtown this Wednesday at 11 a.m. to honor Veterans Day with a ceremony at First Security Bank Veterans Plaza 2000. Retired Lt. Cmdr. Allan Hale, credited with transforming Mountain Home High School’s Navy Junior ROTC (NJROTC) into one of the top programs in the nation, will serve as the event’s keynote speaker.
This year’s ceremony is hosted by Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 30 on behalf of the North Central Arkansas Veterans Council. Greg Hartman, from VFW Post 3246, will act as master of ceremonies, while Dr. George Wolford, also of DAV Chapter 30, will serve as chaplain. The Mountain Home High School Band and the NJROTC Bomber Battalion will perform and present colors, continuing their longstanding contributions to the event.
Under Hale’s leadership, along with Chief Jason Williams, the Bomber Battalion NJROTC has achieved numerous commendations. The unit, once in jeopardy of losing its Navy funding, now stands out as the Most Outstanding Unit in Area 13, a designation covering 23 programs across Arkansas, much of Mississippi, and parts of Alabama, Tennessee, Missouri, and Kansas. Additionally, the unit has facilitated thousands of hours in community service, sent cadets to the Naval Academy and associated programs, and performed at significant national events, including the christening of the USS Arkansas submarine and the upcoming 250th-anniversary parade in Washington, D.C.
Mountain Home’s Veterans Day commemorations also include the high school’s annual “Freedom Isn’t Free” program. This morning ceremony, led by the NJROTC, honors veterans who left school to serve by presenting them with honorary diplomas. It is scheduled to allow veterans to attend both events.
First dedicated in May 2000, the plaza itself holds significant meaning for the community. Last year, Mayor Hillrey Adams marked its 25th anniversary with the unveiling of new service branch insignias, which were funded by retired Lt. Col. Mary Walker. The project was realized through the contributions of Cheney Monument Company and commemorated the plaza’s transformation from a historical business block into a tribute to local veterans.
Kattie Laney will sing the national anthem at this year’s ceremony, and participating veterans organizations will present the colors. The Alley-White American Legion Post 52 honor guard will perform military honors, and KTLO Radio will provide sound and live broadcast coverage. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to VFW Post 3246 for coffee and cupcakes. If weather conditions require a venue change, the event will be moved to the post’s location at 214 W. Seventh St., with updates announced on KTLO.
The ceremony is free and open to the public.