Jonesboro, AR – (Contributed) – May 23, 2024 – The Craighead County Veterans Monument Foundation (CCVMF) will sponsor this year’s Memorial Day ceremony. The ceremony will start at 9 a.m. Monday, May 27 at the Craighead County Courthouse next to the Doughboy statue. Veterans Honor Guard, Sons of the American Revolution Honor Guard, Service organizations, Ladies Auxiliaries and the Sons of Confederate Veterans Honor Guard and Westside AFJROTC will take part in this year’s observance of Memorial Day.
This year the CCVMF is honoring the 80th Anniversary of D-Day (June 6, 1944) and PFC Gene Sellers as one of the first Americans killed on D-Day. It’s hard to imagine the sacrifices made by this brave man Harold “Gene” Sellers, a JHS graduate. He was a Pathfinder with the 101st Airborne Division, specifically the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR). He played a crucial role on D-Day, June 6th, 1944, by setting up radar and lights on drop zones to guide other American C-47s loaded with paratroopers. He died at a small crossroads near the village of St. Come du Mont. Sellers was shot and killed by a German sniper while trying to land and set up beacons near the village of St. Come du Mont. His sacrifice saved the life of another soldier who eventually returned home. Despite the challenges faced by the Pathfinders, their bravery and dedication paved the way for the success of the Normandy invasion during that critical time in U.S. history of U.S.
The Craighead County Veterans Monument Foundation invites all veterans, friends of veterans, and families to get involved. Special recognition will be given to Veterans in attendance.
Danny Honnoll, commander of the Sons of the American Legion Squadron #21 and Commander of the Col. Robert G. Shaver Camp SCV, will emcee the ceremony on Monday.
This year bricks with veteran’s names will be added to the Craighead County Veterans Monument and names will be read during ceremony. If you would like to honor a veteran, you can buy a brick for $50 by going to www.craigheadcountyveterans.org/bricks.html or call 870-273-6958. The CCVMF places the bricks in May and November of each year to honor Craighead County Veterans.
All veterans and their friends and family are invited to attend. A special invitation to the veterans of WWII is extended. The public is requested to bring a lawn chair and water.
If you have questions or comments, please call W. Danny Honnoll at 870-926-2985.