Event Salutes, Supports Veterans

Jason Irby has an eye for detail and made a career out of making the most important of those details a central theme for highlighting important causes in Arkansas.

 

For example, where many people view Little Rock’s iconic War Memorial Stadium as merely an aging venue the world of collegiate sports has passed by, Irby saw past that and focused on the value of the symbolism upon which the venue was built.

 

“War Memorial Stadium is, especially with the 25th anniversary of 9/11 this year, a place to remember, a place to have reverence,” he said. “Most people know it for Razorback football and some of the great, historic concerts, some crusades, but it was built to honor the brave sacrifices given by those who fought for our country. It is a living veteran’s memorial, but I felt that original meaning was being lost.”

 

 

Inspired by that perspective on the site and its origins, Irby introduced the Corvettes and Veterans Salute and Ceremony at War Memorial Stadium. The day-long program, slated for 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 11, offers activities for the whole family while supporting a good cause. Proceeds from the event benefit the American Legion’s Be the One program, a mission to reduce the number of veterans and service members who die by suicide.

 

“One of our main partners other than War Memorial Stadium is the American Legion, the largest veterans’ organization, as far as I know, in the world,” Irby said. “They have a great history of serving veterans in Arkansas and throughout the country.”

 

Be the One involves establishing a system of “buddy checks” in which vets look after their brothers and sisters in arms while also raising awareness of resources for veterans in their communities and leading people through Columbia University training to know what to do in a time of crisis.

 

 

“[American Legion] posts, units and squadrons can work together to host or support events aimed at bringing the darkness of suicide into the light,” the organization’s website states. “By talking about it, raising awareness and fostering camaraderie, you are demonstrating how to ‘Be the One.’”

 

Irby’s eye for detail extends to the name of the event. He noted that the corvette has its origins in military lore, as well as being a fabled American car brand, the distinctive styling of which is recognized the world over.

 

“When it comes to cars, vehicles, Corvettes and veterans go together because the corvette, by namesake, was a military asset,” he said. “Over 300 years of military history, the name ‘corvette’ represents a small, swift, lethal military warship.”

 

Through the years, the Corvettes and Veterans Salute event has also focused on other vehicles with a military pedigree, such as the jeep and, in 2026, the Harley-Davidson WLA Liberator motorcycle, both of which were introduced during World War II.

 

 

Irby’s sense of symbolism that runs through Corvettes and Veterans has been well honed through his earlier initiatives. A native of Wabbaseka in Jefferson County, he was a key proponent and activist behind an effort to establish a memorial in his hometown recognizing it as the birthplace of the state flag.

 

“In 2013, there should have been this grand celebration for the Arkansas state flag’s 100th anniversary, but when I contacted our city, our county, the state, they were saying there’s nothing planned,” he said, “so Jan. 1, 2013, I opened my big mouth and said, ‘I pledge that we’re going to have a memorial.’”

 

True to his word, Irby was among those who christened The Arkansas Flag/Wabbaseka Memorial later that year, recognizing the Arkansas flag, local resident Willie K. Hocker, who designed it, and the USS Arkansas, a Navy battleship. The experience gave him a crash course in relationship-building that would later pay off in the formation and promotion of the Corvettes and Veterans Salute event, now in its fourth year.

 

 

The event is sponsored by his own organization, the Jason Irby Innovation Foundation, in partnership with the venue, American Legion and Sequoyah National Research Center, among myriad other sponsors and partners. The event is free to the public, and vehicles other than Corvettes are welcome at the car show, which is the central attraction of the day. An entry fee is required for those wishing to have a vehicle judged.

 

Other highlights of the day include a marching band; patriotic displays and groups; representation by police, fire and first responders; workshops; demonstrations; a prayer vigil/salute; and on-premises parade. For full details, visit corvettesandveteransusa.wordpress.com.

 

Irby said he hopes that the legacy of Corvettes and Veterans Salute continues to grow into the future as a tribute to both the sacrifices of men and women in uniform, as well as the stadium that was dedicated in their honor.

 

 

“Myself, I am not a veteran. I did not serve, but I am a supporter, and I do have family members that served,” he said. “I hope that this event brings about an acknowledgement and a reverence for our veterans, for sacrifices that they have given.

 

“I also hope it continues to highlight the importance of War Memorial Stadium in our community. It is not just a building that should be torn down one day because it’s old. It’s one of those historic buildings that we can look at and honor and know that it is there to honor our veterans from the time it was built on through our various generations.”

 

SEE THE FEATURE BELOW AND IN OUR OCTOBER 2026 ISSUE OF AY MAGAZINE