Veterans Day observance set for Friday

This year’s Veterans Day ceremony will be observed on Friday in Dewitt-DeWeese Park starting at 11:00 a.m.

“We are departing from the tradition of holding our celebration on Nov. 11, which was symbolic of the signing of the armistice that ended WWI,” said veteran Ray Crocker, one of the organizers. “WWI was ended by that signing which happened on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.”

The program will be broadcast live on WHOC and will kick off with the tornado sirens sounding for one minute. The Neshoba Central Junior ROTC will present the colors and the national anthem will be performed.

Retired SSG Tony Stewart from American Legion Post 238 will lead a devotion, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Junior ROTC. 

Retired LTC. Lou Formby will give the welcome and recognize Neshoba County Gold Star Mothers Deborah Ladd, mother of Joshua Ladd, and Ellon Stovall, mother of Matt Stovall. 

Retired SFC. Lance Duncan will introduce the guest speaker, state Rep. Scott Bounds.

“God Bless America” will be performed by Stewart, and Tim Moore will play “Taps.”

To end the celebration, The Fallen Veterans Monument will officially be transferred to the city of Philadelphia, and the Fallen Veterans Monument Replacement Committee will present a symbolic document, signed by committee members, to Mayor James A. Young.

The monument is now ADA-certified, making it easier for handicapped individuals to read the names of veterans. 

The committee has been busy with concrete work around the monument to improve wheelchair access and the Gardening Club has been sprucing up the shrubbery.

As a special way to honor fallen loved ones, personalized bricks surrounding the monument are available for purchase that include their name, military organization, time served, and rank. Funds raised from the bricks will be used to maintain the upkeep of the monument in the future.

In case of inclement weather, the program will be moved to the Neshoba County Coliseum.