Composer of ‘Salute to the Arkansas Flag’ honored
The United States Daughters of 1812 has erected a memorial to Honorary State President Virginia Rison Belcher Brock as the composer of the “Salute to the Arkansas Flag.”
She was the daughter of Sally Rison and Joe N. Belcher, both families were pioneers of Arkansas and Pulaski County. She married Edward Cooper Brock and moved to Houston, but after his death, she returned to her beloved Arkansas.
“The love of history and civic involvement came naturally to her. Her mother, Sally Rison Belcher, was a member of several hereditary service organizations including U.S.D. 1812, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Daughters of the American Colonists and Arkansas Pioneers,” a news release said.
Following her mother’s example, Virginia Brock served in several positions in U.S.D. 1812, including state president from 1958 to 1960. She is descended from Peter Rison, who served in the War of 1812.
The salute she composed was adopted by the Arkansas General Assembly in 1953: “I Salute the Arkansas Flag With Its Diamond and Stars. We Pledge Our Loyalty to Thee.”
“When reciting the pledge, Mrs. Brock would stand facing the flag with her right arm extended toward the flag. She would hold her palm, slightly cupped, facing skyward. Others recite the pledge to the U.S. Flag first, then move the hand from over their heart to the position described above, ‘presenting their heart’ to the state flag,” the release said.
Virginia Brock died at the age of 88 in 1968 and is buried in the Belcher family plot, Mount Holly Cemetery. A formal dedication of the monument will be scheduled after the COVID-19 precautions are lifted.
“Members of U.S.D. 1812 have dedicated themselves to patriotism, historical preservation and education. These goals are as relevant today as they were when the organization was founded in 1892,” the release said.
For information regarding the activities of the Arkansas Society U.S.D. 1812 or membership, email state president Jerrie Townsend at jerriet51@icloud.com. U.S.D. 1812 has four chapters in Arkansas: Texarkana, Little Rock, Pine Bluff and Bella Vista.