Western Arkansas Veterans Coalition

02/23/2026

12/07/2025

09/11/2025

Let us not forget the terrible acts of cowardice that took so many innocent lives that day.

Let us remember all those lost that day, and continue to honor their lives and legacies.

Let us strive to be the country that we were on 9/12, and unify rather than be divided.

As former NY Governor George Pataki said, “on that day a nation became a neighborhood, all Americans became New Yorkers”

08/10/2025

FYI: Recent changes for the property tax exemption of the 100% P&T DAV individuals. It is set to take effect 1/1/2026. Please help to spread the word.

House Bill 1129, now Act 407 of 2025 amended the total amount of acreage to be covered for 100% P&T DAV property tax exemption on there homesteaded parcel, up to 160 acres, (increased from 80 acres) covered by A.C.A 26-3-306

It also clarified that qualifying DAV individuals are only required to turn in their benefit letter, one time (initial) as opposed to annually. If you are currently receiving the exemption, you will not need to submit your letter in 2026 and forward. If you aren’t receiving the exemption, but have become eligible recently, you will need to submit the letter in person to the collectors office the first time. Afterwards, you will not have to submit any more.

05/28/2025

The forecast looks favorable to pick up flags on Saturday, May 31st. We will begin at 8 am.
We would love to see you there. Please share this! Thank you all, for making this year’s ceremony a success.

05/28/2025

Have you ever walked through a cemetery and saw coins laid out on a headstone? Especially a Veteran's headstone. Do you know the tradition behind the coins?

In ancient times, it was believed the deceased had to pay the ferry man, Sharon, to cross the river Styx, the deceased's comrades would leave coins in their mouths.

After the Vietnam War, a war steeped in political divide and social unrest, soldiers returning home wanted a discreet way to show a fallen comrade family they had visited their grave. Leaving coins became the easiest and most popular way to do so.

Each denomination of coin represents the relationship of the visiting person to the deceased soldier

PENNY: symbolizes a visit from a person that didn't know the fallen but wants to honor their sacrifice.

NICKLE: indicates the visitor trained at boot camp with the deceased

DIME: indicates the visitor, at some point, served with the deceased.

QUARTER: indicates the visitor was present for the death of the deceased soldier.

Some cemeteries collect the coins to help pay for upkeep of the grounds.

—Contributed by Cassie Coben

05/26/2025

FLAG-IN WORKDAY SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY MAY 27TH IS BEING POSTPONED FOR WEATHER.

With the continuing rain (and appearing to be that way for the first part of this week) We are postponing the Flag-In workday at the National Cemetery.

The flags need to be dry before being placed into storage for next year’s ceremony.
Please bear with us as we wait until the weather is cooperating.

We will do our best to notify (quickly) the next anticipated date.

Thank you all for the continued support of our veterans and heroes resting in these hallowed grounds.