ARKADELPHIA, Ark. – A mural installation at Dexter B. Florence Memorial Field is brightening up Highway 67 and paying homage to a local veteran.
On Friday, July 26, 2024, at 10 a.m., city officials will host a dedication ceremony for the new mural at Arkadelphia’s municipal airport.
The center of the mural highlights one of the small aircraft seen flying over Arkadelphia daily. These aircraft are used for personal use, farming, and by aviation students at Henderson State University. The background of the mural is a sepia-tone and is meant to look like schematics of the life of the late Dexter B. Florence, a U.S. Army veteran from Arkadelphia.
Florence was a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army Aviation Brigade during the Vietnam War. On October 26, 1972, Florence was flying at tree-top level during a scout mission when a command-detonated mine was set off. The OH-6A Loach aircraft Florence was operating was shot down, and Florence was evacuated to Japan to receive care for his injuries. Florence paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country three days later, when he succumbed to his injuries on October 29 (Virtual Wall, 2006).
“We’ve long recognized Lieutenant Florence’s impact on aviation in Arkadelphia through naming our airfield after him — Dexter B. Florence Memorial Field — and this is just a continuation of that recognition,” City Manager Gary Brinkley said. “Lieutenant Florence gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. His impact will forever be recognized in this mural, which we believe will become synonymous with our airport.”
The mural was commissioned by Jason White of White’s Artworks. White’s Artworks also completed the Badger Mural installation in the city’s downtown area.
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