Honoring Those Who Died in the Line of Duty

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week that it falls in as National Police Week. In coordination with this proclamation, Fort Smith National Historic Site will honor fallen officers on Saturday May 17th.  Throughout the day, memorial markers will be on the parade grounds honoring each of the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty between 1872 and 1896 while serving the Fort Smith District Court for the Western District of Arkansas.

From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. living history programs will interpret the dangers faced by Deputy U.S. Marshals in the Indian Territory who would have worked out of Fort Smith. This will include a deputy’s camp, Volunteers portraying Judge Parker and his wife set up in the courtroom, programs on the death of law officer Frank Dalton, and the life and times of the famous African American Deputy Bass Reeves.

At 11:00 p.m. a ceremony honoring fallen officers will commence with a welcome from Park Superintendent Lisa Frost, a flag ceremony led by Sebastian County Sheriff’s Honor Guard, a statement from U.S. Marshal Harold Oglesby, and a roll call of the officers who died serving the Fort Smith District Court in the 1800s. Bagpipe music will also be played by Park Ranger Jeremy Lynch. Admission is free.

Fort Smith National Historic Site is located in downtown Fort Smith along the Arkansas River.  To access the parking lot from Garrison or Rogers Avenue, turn south on 4th Street and right on Garland Avenue.  For more information about the program, please call Fort Smith National Historic Site at 479-783-3961.alton, and the life and times of the famous African American Deputy Bass Reeves.