Meg Matthews
Public Relations Manager
Phone (501) 371-4421
E-Mail mmathews@littlerock.gov




MacArthur Military Museum to Host “Carry the Flame”

(Little Rock – Tuesday May 25, 2010)

Little Rock’s MacArthur Military Museum will be the setting for a stop by a group that raises awareness for the support of children whose parents are deployed military personnel. The motorcyclists go by the name “Carry the Flame.” They make an annual trek across the country and end up in Washington D.C. on Memorial Day. This year, the non-profit will stop in Little Rock on May 25th at 10:00 a.m.

King Cavalier, “Carry the Flame” founder, suggested that over one million military kids have been affected by the deployment, disability or loss of a loved one, and in some cases both parents, serving on government orders in Iraq and Afghanistan. “Carry the Flame” recognizes that military service involves the entire extended family of the person wearing the uniform. This is an important step in providing care for the impact of service on the military family and particularly the lives of military kids.

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Black Hills will benefit this year from money raised by this group’s annual journey. The money will specifically support children of deployed military personnel. Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Black Hills matches children with trained mentors. They assist kids in tough times by having them participate in outdoor and adventure programs. “Carry the Flame” is raising money for this project, and that includes their stop in Little Rock.

Members of the “Carry the Flame” organization would like to express their sincerest thanks to the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, the City of Little Rock, Mayor Mark Stodola, City Manager Bruce Moore, the City of Little Rock Board of Directors, Landers Harley Davidson and a host of other individuals who help make this event possible each year.

The event is open to the public, and anyone associated with the military is encouraged to attend.
“Little Rock is a wonderful city, and we are welcomed here by scores of veterans of all wars, Gold and Blue Star mothers, and people who are just genuinely interested in our military children,” said H.L. “Buck” Rhoads of “Carry the Flame.” “I hope to see a group of special people at this event, the military personnel who served in Korea. We will say a special thanks to these brave men and women at the ceremony, and it couldn’t be more fitting.”

Anyone wishing to ride into Little Rock with “Carry the Flame” can join the group at Toad Suck Harley Davidson in Conway at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning, May 25th. After being staged, the group will proceed to Little Rock.