New courthouse flagpole dedicated to Clay County veterans

A formal dedication ceremony was held Wednesday, July 1, of the new flagpole in front of the Clay County Courthouse in Piggott. The new 41-foot pole was purchased with donations gathered by local veterans, and later this week lighting will be added at the base allowing the flag to be flown 24-hours-a-day.

The shorter pole that previously occupied the location was also retained and was placed at the left of the main staff. That flagpole will fly the Arkansas state flag, and the POW-MIA flag, alongside Old Glory.

Tommy Huggins, local Veterans Services officer, and one of the organizers of the effort, served as the MC for the event and introduced the various local dignitaries on hand. Among those commenting were Clay County Judge Gary Howell and Piggott Mayor Gerald Morris.

The color guards for the occasion were local veterans John Harlan, Charles Wright, Dewey Holcomb and Jim Gearhart.

The ceremony included the official flag raising, and the playing of taps, as the new flagpole was dedicated to all the county's veterans past and present.

Huggins was joined by Ed Thompson in planning the renovation project, and did so with the blessings of Judge Howell and the quorum court. The organizers also offered their thanks to the many businesses and individuals who made contributions to the effort.