21 Nov 2016 Fallen Heroes memorial displayed at Cabot school

The Arkansas Fallen Heroes Traveling Memorial will be located in the Cabot High School courtyard through Saturday, Nov. 26.

Cabot High School is located at 401 N. Lincoln St.

The memorial was founded in October 2005 by Gold Star dad Rob Hopper,of Wynne. Rob’s youngest son, Marine LCPL Brian Chase Hopper, was killed on Jan. 26, 2005. Brian’s unit was flying in Western Iraq to guard the first election when the helicopter he was in crashed, killing all 31 men inside.

After that day, Rob decided that he wanted to do something to remember his son and all of the Arkansans who have died defending our country since 9/11. He purchased a 3 foot by 5 foot flag for each Arkansas Fallen Hero and created a traveling memorial flag field. People are able to walk among the flags and read the biographies of the heroes that are honored.

In May 2014, Arkansas Run for the Fallen began displaying this memorial flag field. Arkansas Run for the Fallen is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to raise awareness for the native Arkansans who fought and died supporting the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT). The purpose is also to provide support, hope and healing to families grieving the death of a loved one in military service regardless of relationship or circumstance of death.

Donations to Arkansas Run for the Fallen are used to maintain the traveling memorial and raise awareness, honor the fallen and support the families of the fallen. Not only have organizers displayed the traveling memorial in many cities around the state, but also have been able to make an annual donation to the Arkansas Chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers, provide college scholarships for graduating seniors who have lost a parent serving our country, purchase a Christmas tree for the state Capitol that displays the names of Arkansas fallen military service members, host a special sibling day, spouses day and family day to honor the families of Arkansas fallen military service members, provide the funds for the Hearts of Our Heroes camp for the children of Arkansas fallen military service members, and provide more than 3,500 wreaths for the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery as part of the Wreaths Across America program.

To learn more about the heroes honored or to make a donation to help further the mission, please visit arkansasrunforthefallen.org or email [email protected].