TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME – GREETINGS:

WHEREAS:    William P. Keele was born on December 5th, 1917, and faithfully answered the call to serve his nation during World War II on September 30th, 1940;

WHEREAS:    Technician, Fifth Grade (Tec 5) Keele served with the 33rd Quartermaster Truck Regiment, Philippine Department demonstrating unwavering courage and dedication to duty;

WHEREAS:    In the spring of 1942, Tec 5 Keele was captured by the Japanese and was subjected to the 65-mile Bataan Death March into captivity;

WHEREAS:    Tec 5 Keele died at Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp on July 16th, 1942, making the ultimate sacrifice for his country; 

WHEREAS:    In April 2019, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency exhumed the unidentified remains of the American prisoners from Cabanatuan and identified Tec 5 Keele;

WHEREAS:    Tec 5 Keele served his country with honor, endured unspeakable hardships and was returned home to Fort Smith, AR on August 4th, 2026; and

WHEREAS:    Tec 5 Keele will be laid to rest with full military honors on August 7th, 2026.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, SARAH HUCKABEE SANDERS, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim August 7th, 2026, as a day of remembrance for Technician Fifth Grade, William P. Keele, inviting all Arkansans to honor his legacy and reflect upon the cost of freedom he so bravely bore. I further order that the United States flag and the state flag of Arkansas be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on August 7th, 2026, as a mark of respect for Technician Fifth Grade, William P. Keele service, sacrifice, and devotion. 

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 31st day of July, in the year of our Lord 2026.