After a successful campaign earlier this year that resulted in the placement of a monument in the Fort Smith National Cemetery honoring all who have served in various military actions over the years, the River Valley Veterans National Cemetery Association has decided they believe in music.
But the music they believe in has been silenced for several years, a condition they hope to turn around as they seek funds to repair and restore the musical bell tower/carillon at the Fort Smith National Cemetery.
“We know the system has been down for several years” Robert “Bucky” Castillo said of the carillon that is located just inside of the front gates of the hallowed grounds. “There has been no music for funerals or no music on the holidays that celebrate and honor our veterans.”
This carillon was donated by the American Veterans as part of their international living memorial program, which began shortly after World War II. The carillon was dedicated on Veteran’s Day, 1986.
Castillo has been pricing repairs to the system and says it will take “$5-6000 to facilitate getting the bells ringing again. Arkansas Retired Military and members of the River Valley Veterans are working on funding for the project.
“The public was so generous with their donations for the monument we placed earlier in the year,” said Castillo. “We just want to reach out to the public again as we look to expand and improve on our national Cemetery.”
Castillo said that donations can be made to RVVNCA, 5210 Country Aire Loop, Hackett, AR 72937 or ARMA, 144 N Greenwood Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901. In the memo of your check write the words “bell tower” so you donations well be applied to the project.
“The quicker we secure the funds, the quicker we can make the repairs,” said Castillo. “We are honored to be able to do this for our fallen brothers and sisters.”
