The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is set to honor its veterans in a Memorial Day ceremony steeped in historical significance and communal spirit. With its military roots reaching back to the twentieth century, UTA is marking the occasion on May 30 at Arlington's Veterans Park, 3600 W. Arkansas Lane. The evening's commemoration starts at 7 p.m. and notably features Arlington Mayor Jim Ross and Congressman Roger Williams, as stated in an article by UT Arlington Communications.
The Memorial to the Fallen, which specifically honors 110 Arlington locals lost from World War I to modern conflicts, was dedicated on Veterans Day in 2023. It will be the centerpiece of the ceremony. To perpetually remember the sacrifices made, UTA students have intensively researched and cataloged each service member's history from Arlington, creating an online database with details that range from biographical snippets to newspaper clippings.
Among those honored are Col. Neel E. Kearby, a Medal of Honor recipient and former UTA student, as well as other UTA alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice. As reported by the City of Arlington's news release, UTA historian Joseph Carpenter captured this sentiment by saying, "For over a century, the city of Arlington and UTA have stood together in both war and peace." The ceremony is set to feature a wreath-laying, Gold Star family tributes, a presentation of the colors by UTA’s Maverick Battalion, and patriotic tunes by the Arlington Community Band.
Integral to the memorial's realization was UTA alum Clete McAlister, a Vietnam veteran with a vision to create a tangible homage to fallen heroes. His involvement and the efforts of UTA students have made the Memorial to the Fallen a significant locale for remembrance and reflection. McAlister described the memorial as "a visually striking tribute to the memory of our lost service members," as noted in the City of Arlington's news release.
About UTA: Celebrating 130 years, The University of Texas at Arlington has become a major player in public research and academic prowess. Home to over 41,000 students, UTA offers a wealth of undergraduate and graduate programs. It's recognized for its research activity and has a significant socioeconomic impact on Texas. Detailed information about UTA can be found in their recent publication.
