Soldiers and airmen of the Arkansas National Guard are receiving eclipse glasses at armories and bases around the state in preparation for the 2024 Eclipse on April 8. The path of totality will cover two-thirds of the state. (Jim Heuston/Arkansas Army National Guard)

Arkansas National Guard soldiers and airmen are ready to see the celestial spectacle.

The Guard is distributing eclipse glasses at armories and bases around the state in preparation for the total solar eclipse on April 8 that will cross North America, passing over Mexico, the United States and Canada.

The path of totality is expected to cover two-thirds of Arkansas.

More than 100 school districts will be closed in Arkansas during the eclipse, and many guard members will have a chance to enjoy the big show with their families.

The Arkansas Guard is also distributing roughly 23,000 eclipse glasses at public events and local recruiting stations.

The eclipse will have a totality lasting up to 4 minutes 28 seconds with a path that will darken the state from Texarkana to Fort Smith through Bull Shoals to Paragould. The moon’s shadow will sweep across 35 National Guard armories and airfields where more than 6,000 Arkansas National Guard members and their families live and work.

“I just want to have a good time watching the eclipse, and I’m excited I don’t have to drive anywhere to watch it,” said Pfc. Gracie Mendez, a tracked vehicle mechanic in the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade.