Museums Plan Veterans Day Program
The Museum of Mississippi History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum are partnering with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mississippi Veterans Affairs, and the Mississippi War Veterans Memorial Commission to honor Mississippians who serve and have served in the United States Armed Forces. The event begins at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 9, in the Nancy and Ray Neilsen Hall of History at the Two Mississippi Museums.
“Mississippi’s extraordinary record of military service is one of the most inspiring stories that we share in the Two Mississippi Museums,” said MDAH director Katie Blount. “We are pleased to join with our military service organizations to pay special tribute to all the many Mississippians who have served our country.”
The event will also commemorate Armistice Day, the signing of the agreement on November 11, 1918, to mark the end of World War I. This year marks 100 years since the end of the Great War, in which 56,740 Mississippians served. In 1954, Armistice Day was replaced with Veterans Day to honor all military veterans.
The program will include a performance by the 41st Army Band, a moment of silence, recognition of the veterans in attendance, memorial volley, wreath laying, and a keynote speech delivered by Major General Janson D. Boyles, Adjutant General of the Mississippi National Guard. Afterwards, the museums are offering special tours to military veterans and their families.
“The Daughters of the American Revolution and Mississippi War Memorial Commission have long honored those who serve with a Veterans Day program,” said Colonel Allen McDaniel, executive director of the National Guard Association of Mississippi. “However, we are very excited to partner with the Two Mississippi Museums and Mississippi Veterans Affairs to further expand the celebration and services for these outstanding patriots.”
From Friday, November 9, to Sunday, November 11, the museums are offering free admission to military veterans and a family member. The Mississippi Veterans Affairs will also be on hand to provide updates to veterans on available services. For more information, call 601-540-2794 or email amcdaniel@ngams.org.