Fort Smith National Cemetery faces permanent closing

On a day when thousands gathered to commemorate our fallen heroes, an announcement was made in the middle of Fort Smith National Cemetery that left many people stunned, and most people ready to act.

The burial ground for heroes ranging from General Darby to Specialist Lyle Rymer is now facing a dire situation which requires a large sum of money to purchase new property in order to bury more service members and their spouses. How much money is needed?

Only $6,000,000.

I know what you're thinking. We could probably go down to Southern Trading & Pawn and take out a giant loan to keep the cemetery open. As much as Vernon and the crew would love to help with this task, it won't be that easy and it won't happen fast.

Right now, the deadline is unclear. It's also unclear whether or not there's even a date on the deadline. One thing for sure is that we can't let Fort Smith National Cemetery close for burials. If that happens, federal law requires it remain closed for eternity and then we face a situation where our local heroes will never be able to be buried in a national cemetery at home.

And that's the mission. Ensuring all our local heroes will be buried at home. That's all there is to it.

As of now, donations are being accepted at ChristmasHonors.org or you can mail a check to Christmas Honors at P.O. Box 10696 Fort Smith, AR. 72917. ALL LAND DONATIONS MUST BE EARMAKRED "LAND" IN ORDER TO BE APPLIED TO THE LAND FUND.

At Today In Fort Smith, we'll do whatever it takes to complete this mission. We're calling on our sponsors, all of our local businesses, and anyone who can give freely to this project. This is a mission that cannot fail and we will stay on top of it until the goal is reached, the property is purchased, and all our heroes are buried at home.

Story by Today In Fort Smith Co-Founder Clint Davis. Eye-witness report from contributor Anthony Dewitt.