Arlington Veterans Park in Texas is home to a memorial dedicated to the men who died serving their country during wartime. The park, which features plaques and QR codes linking to an online database, honors over 100 military members from Arlington who lost their lives in service. According to oral historian Joseph Carpenter, those whose names are inscribed on the memorial are referred to as “Arlington boys” and deserve to be remembered for their sacrifices.
The memorial was created through a collaboration between the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and the Arlington Veterans Park Foundation. UTA assistant professor James Sandy worked with Clete McAlister, the foundation’s president at the time, to compile a comprehensive list of those who died in service. The online database features biographies of fallen soldiers, including notable figures like Medal of Honor recipient Col. Neel E. Kearby and former Arlington Mayor Sgt. Preston F. McKee.
The memorial also includes plaques with QR codes that link to the online database, making it easy for visitors to access information about the fallen soldiers. If a previously unknown soldier is discovered, they will be added to the monument. The foundation plans to hold its second annual Memorial Day service at the park on May 26, emceed by McAlister and attended by Carpenter.
The Arlington Veterans Park Foundation’s efforts have been praised by family members of fallen soldiers, who appreciate the recognition their loved ones received through the memorial. As Carpenter said, “They paid a heavy price… for service to their country.” The memorial serves as a reminder that those who served and sacrificed for their country deserve to be remembered.
Source: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/05/25/park-memorial-uta-database-remember-arlingtons-fallen-military-members