Ridgeland, Flora to hold Memorial Day observance

Memorial Day observances are set in Ridgeland and Flora.

Ridgeland will observe Memorial Day early with a Remember and Honor ceremony at the Veteran’s Memory Park in front of City Hall on Thursday, May 25 at 10 a.m., where Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann will be the keynote speaker. 

Memorial Day is Monday, May 29.

Kim Cooper, director of public relations for the city of Ridgeland, said the majority of ceremony participants and speakers are veterans.

“This ceremony will consist of the tolling of the bell, and the Ridgeland High School ROTC will be there for the presentation of the colors,” Cooper said. “A soloist will sing the Star Spangled Banner, and Mike McCollum will play bagpipes as people come in, and will also welcome everyone.” 

Mayor Gene F. McGee will introduce Hosemann.

McCollum, chairman of the Veteran’s Memory Park Committee, said everyone is invited to the ceremony. 

“We invite everyone to come out to Ridgeland’s Veterans Memory Park to honor our heroes who lost their lives in battle and sacrificed on the altar of freedom,” McCollum said. 

Veterans Memory Park is located at 100 W. School Street. For more information about the ceremony, call the city of Ridgeland at (601) 856-7113. 

Flora Mayor Leslie Childress said although the city does not have any official Memorial Day events planned, he and first responders, along with veterans, are meeting on Friday, May 26 at 7:30 a.m. at the town cemetery to place flags by the graves of the ones who served. 

“Everyone is invited to come join us and volunteer, whether they have or haven’t served,” Childress said. 

The Flora Cemetery is located at 291 1st Street. 

The cities of Madison, Canton and Gluckstadt do not have any official Memorial Day events planned at this time, officials said.