Honor Black vets
Editor, The Commercial:
On Nov. 11, 2024, veterans across the nation were honored. This includes men and women of all races who have served and are currently serving, with special homage to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the defense and security of the nation.
Annually, Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc. places flags around the monument in remembrance of the veterans.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
There is a 77-year-old monument, dedicated on July 20, 1947, previously residing in Townsend Park now located on the Jefferson County courthouse grounds, not far from the new veterans building.
It is the only World War II monument in Arkansas specifically honoring African American soldiers from Pine Bluff and Jefferson County, and likely the only one of its kind in the state. Inscribed on the monument are the names James Alexander, William Calhoun, Joseph Fair, Ivory Glover, Abary Jenkins, Albert Johnson, Almire Pittman, Napoleon Pittman, M. McDougal, Nathaniel Manning, Freddie O’Hair, Charlie Parish, Joseph Ragland, R.B. Wynn, Clarence Young, William Young and Hildreth Nicholson.
As reported by Judy Normand in the Pine Bluff Commercial on May 29, 2001, regarding Joseph Ragland, he was a notable figure in history, who lived on the Trulock Plantation before serving as a Navy cook on the USS Essex.
Due to crew shortages, Ragland self-trained on anti-aircraft guns. The ship was attacked by Japanese Kamikaze pilots, and while under attack, resulted in approximately 20 fatalities. — Lynn Gains, Jefferson County Historical Society.
Mr. Joseph Ragland deserves posthumous recognition for his valorous service, and the WWII monument should be located at the new veteran facility to be better cared for and admired by the the many veterans attending this facility.
Rev. Jesse C. Turner, executive director,
Pine Bluff Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc.