FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- After eight years and nearly $100,000, a fallen soldier memorial that will be going up at the River Valley Veterans National Cemetery is almost complete.
Robert Castillo, the treasurer for the River Valley Veterans National Cemetery Association, said Sunday (Aug. 30) the statue itself is done, but there is more work to be done.
"There are going to be granite flags that sit behind this in a V-shape,” Castillo said. “Plus, we have to have a trust for perpetual care.”
Members of the National Cemetery Association in Fort Smith said they have picked the perfect location for the statue.
"It is going to be the guardian angel of the cemetery,” Castillo said. "It will overlook the whole cemetery where it is at. It will be stationed at the bell tower.”
Castillo said the soldier is in a kneeling position as if he were praying for those who have served.
Keith Greene and Matthew Hicks are both veterans of the U.S. Army.
“This is just another example of how well the people take care of the vets here,” Greene said.
They both agree the statue is the perfect way to honor all veterans.
“That being considered, the angel on the battlefield, that is incredible,” Hicks said. “We could not ask for anything better.”
Castillo said he is overwhelmed by the support and help the association has received from the community.
"The work that is involved in it is unbelievable what we have had to do,” Castillo said. “There are five members, but, of course, there are a lot of people who have given, there are so many that I do not know, I could not name them all because there are so many people who have helped us.”
A ceremony will be held on Nov. 8 to place the memorial.
To contribute to the memorial, visit the River Valley Veterans National Cemetery Association Facebook page.