Veterans Service Officer Spearheads Memorial Project in Riverside Park

Josh Morrison aims to create a moving tribute to honor all who served

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Independence Veterans Service Officer Josh Morrison is leading an effort to build a new veterans memorial inside Riverside Park in Batesville, Arkansas. Morrison, a six-year U.S. Army veteran, has spent the last seven years as a tireless advocate for local veterans. His vision is for the memorial to be a profound and emotional space that recognizes the sacrifices of all who have served, with a particular focus on honoring Vietnam veterans who faced rejection upon returning home.

Why it matters

The memorial project is an important community effort to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of veterans, especially those who did not receive the welcome and support they deserved when they came back from war. It will serve as a permanent tribute and gathering place for veterans, their families, and the broader public to reflect on the cost of freedom.

The details

Morrison's idea for the memorial was inspired by the stories he has heard from Vietnam veterans about the challenges they faced when returning home. He wants the monument to evoke the emotions and experiences of combat veterans, from the horrors of war to the struggles with health issues caused by exposure to Agent Orange. The memorial will feature seven monuments representing the Army's core values, as well as a copy of the U.S. Constitution with an open Bible, symbolizing God and country.

  • Morrison first requested space for the memorial from the city council last year, and the council unanimously approved the project.
  • In the first four months, the memorial fundraising effort has already raised $40,000 of the $500,000 goal.
  • The VFW Post 4501 will hold a fundraiser for the memorial on March 17, 2026.

The players

Josh Morrison

A six-year U.S. Army veteran and the Independence Veterans Service Officer, Morrison has spent the last seven years as a tireless advocate for veterans in Independence and Izard counties. He was named the 2023 VSO Excellence Award winner and the 2024 National VSO of the Year.

Joe Drye

A Navy veteran who started a weekly coffee meetup with other local veterans, which eventually grew into the inspiration for the memorial project.

Gregg Taylor

A former Marine who joined Drye for the weekly coffee meetups, which led to the idea for the veterans memorial.

Barbara Henson

The quartermaster for VFW Post 4501, which will be holding a fundraiser for the memorial on March 17.

Kevin Jeffery

The Independence County Judge, who spoke about the memorial project and other county initiatives at the City-County Connections meeting.

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What they’re saying

“Why build a memorial if it doesn't produce emotion? I wouldn't have it any other way.”

— Josh Morrison, Independence Veterans Service Officer (whiterivernow.com)

“My passion may have begun with the Vietnam veterans, but I wanted this project to be for every veteran. As all gave some, and especially for those who gave all.”

— Josh Morrison, Independence Veterans Service Officer (whiterivernow.com)

“If you want this in our community, I invite you to help build it with me. This is your time. This is your opportunity to tell your grandkids, tell your family, I helped build that. I helped put that there.”

— Josh Morrison, Independence Veterans Service Officer (whiterivernow.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This memorial project is a powerful community effort to honor the service and sacrifice of all veterans, with a particular focus on recognizing the struggles faced by Vietnam veterans when they returned home. It will serve as an enduring tribute and gathering place for veterans, their families, and the public to reflect on the cost of freedom.