Sendoff Celebrations for Johnny Cash Statue at Arkansas State Capitol
Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston hosted a sendoff for a statue of legendary musician Johnny Cash at the Arkansas State Capitol on September 5, 2024. This event marked the beginning of the statue’s journey to its permanent home in the U.S. Capitol.
The sendoff ceremony took place in front of the Capitol building, where members of the Arkansas Legislature, Shane Broadway, the Chair of the Arkansas National Statuary Hall Steering Committee, sculptor Kevin Kresse, and Cash family members were in attendance. Dedicated Logistics of Crossett transported the statue, securing it in a crate on their truck amidst the gathered crowd.
The main event attracted the media and the public, giving them a unique opportunity to witness this momentous occasion. Thurston expressed his gratitude to all involved in the project, highlighting the exceptional skill and artistry that went into creating the statue.
The unveiling ceremony for the statue is scheduled for September 24 in Washington, D.C., making it the second Arkansas statue to be placed in the U.S. Capitol, following Dedication of civil rights activist Daisy Bates’ statue in May.
This statue, designed by Kevin Kresse, stands 8 feet tall, capturing Cash’s iconic image. The statue features the singer with his guitar slung over his shoulder and a Bible in his hand, encapsulating his deep roots in both music and faith.
