Statements of Support (SOS) for the National Guard and Reserve were signed on November 7 in Washington, Arkansas. The Employer Support of the Guard Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, directed the event.

The signing ceremony took place at the 1874 Court House at 10:30 a.m. in Historic Washington State Park. Local employers were invited to sign the SOS for Guard and Reservists who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

According to Major General (Ret) Don C. Morrow, Arkansas State Chair ESGR, every employer in town is scheduled to sign the document at the event. “We think this is the first time in the country that every employer in a city will sign a SOS at the same event at the same time,” he said.

Twelve businesses and agencies signed the documents as well as Washington Mayor Paul Henley on behalf of the entire city.  Many dignitaries, business leaders and public officials from Hempstead County and Ms. Pauline Brunelli, Executive Director of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Washington D.C. were present.

Along with the ceremony, the Arkansas National Guard's 39th Brigade was recognized for their service. The brigade’s symbol is the historically famous Bowie knife that was produced for Colonel Jim Bowie during his stop in Washington on his way to the Alamo. The 39th Brigade returned last December from their second tour in Iraq.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units,” said Richard Green, Program Specialist of the Arkansas ESGR Committee. “Each of the agencies and companies joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces.”

Along with the SOS ceremony, Historic Washington State Park was also be the scene of another event that day: Civil War Weekend. Included in the weekend will be a Civil War skirmish and cavalry drill. Opportunities to observe civilian, infantry and cavalry encampments, tavern life, medicine shows and period fashion programs were available throughout the day. One of the largest battle reenactments in Southwest Arkansas took place as hundreds of re-enactors meet on the battlefield of Washington. 
For more information about ESGR, visit www.esgr.mil or call Richard Green at 501-212-4096. More information about Civil War Weekend can be found at www.historicwashingtonstatepark.com or by calling 870-983-2898.

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Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501-682-7606
E-mail: info@arkansas.com
May be used without permission. Credit line is appreciated:
"Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism"