Memorial Day exhibit at State Capitol

In honor of the Memorial Day Holiday ther is a special exhibit honoring American military personnel on display through the end of May at the State Capitol. The installation bears no name, as it is meant to be a simple remembrance in keeping with the reflective spirit of Memorial Day.

“We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our men and women of the military, as well as their families,” Secretary of State Mark Martin said. “The memorabilia in this display serves as a reminder of the service and sacrifice made by those who fought to ensure our freedom.”

The display, located in the first floor rotunda, features examples of American military uniforms from the past century, vintage publications, and military memorabilia, including a World War II-era serviceman’s Bible.

The uniforms and memorabilia are loaned from the collections of Mr. Harold Steelman of Little Rock. A graduate of the University of Arkansas, Steelman was a member of the legendary 1954 and 1955 Razorback Football teams. After years of coaching on the high school and college level, he later managed War Memorial Stadium. Steelman was the project creator for “In their Words,” Arkansas Educational Television Network’s World War II oral history project. A more extensive selection of Steelman’s collection will be featured in future exhibits at the Capitol.

The current exhibit will remain on display through Tuesday, May 31. The Capitol will be open over the Memorial Day holiday weekend during the hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.