Volunteers sought for Memorial Day reading at the Fayetteville National Cemetery

FAYETTEVILLE -- More than 170 volunteers are needed to read the names of 9,000 people buried in the Fayetteville National Cemetery.

Cemetery administrators are planning the "Roll Call of Honor" as part of a series of events during Memorial Day weekend.

"There is a history both of America and Fayetteville and people from all decades and all walks of life who have served this country proudly," said Tom Ruck, cemetery director. "Let's remember all those who served, and let's say thank you for giving us the America we have today."

Volunteers will begin reading veterans' -- and their spouses' -- names at 1 p.m. May 24. The reading will extend through the night for the next 19½ hours. Readers will work 15-minute shifts.

Other Memorial Day events begin at 10 a.m. May 25.

To volunteer, or for more information, call the cemetery at 479-442-2566.

The federal government purchased the original 5 acres for the Fayetteville National Cemetery in 1867 to inter the remains of Union soldiers who died in the battles of Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove and Fayetteville. Most active-duty U.S. veterans and their spouses are eligible for burial in the cemetery.

NW News on 04/18/2015

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