Print this story | E-mail story | This story has 8 comments Add your own | iPod friendly
Miss-Lou remembers those who sacrificed for country
Published Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Frank Williams, a WWII veteran, has spent the past 61 Memorial Days marching from Vidalia, across the Mississippi River and to the Natchez National Cemetery. This year was no different. “I’ve been here a long time,” said Williams, commander of American Legion Post 590 in Vidalia. “Ever since 1946 I’ve been here.”
Williams said he is happy to be involved in the parade and to honor the veterans who have passed away. He also said his two sons feel the same way.
“I’m carrying the torch so maybe one day they will have to pick up the torch and carry it on for us,” he said.
Williams is not alone in his dedication to the march, which has existed for 139 years and draws people from far beyond the Miss-Lou said Eddie Coleman, marketing director for the City of Vidalia.
“We have people from all over the country coming back to represent, honor, show love to their deceased ones who fought and risked their lives for America,” Coleman said.
Many of the participants are originally from the Natchez area and return for the march.
“I remember when I was younger, people would set up with food and drinks and ice cream and things like that,” said Melissa Wells Dunbar, who comes from Vicksburg to march every year. “It’s been such a tradition. As far as I know my dad said they used to do it and my dad’s 76 years old.”
Many of the marchers also said the event is a great way to unify the community.
“It’s just like one big happy family,” said Derrick Hawkins who has been marching for four years. “Once we get to going, singing songs and everything it’s a joyous time.”
David Turner also said the march was a very special time.
“It really pulls the community together and shows support for the soldiers who are fighting for our freedom.”
Turner, like many of the participants, was marching in support of one particular veteran, his father.
“He passed on Oct. 5, 2007, so it’s in his honor and in memory of him, that’s who I’m marching for, Eddie Turner Sr.”
Another group wore shirts with a picture of Lee McCoy, a veteran who died on May 17, 2005.
“We’re just walking for him,” said Keri Brown, McCoy’s cousin. “Every year we do that, we wear our shirts and walk for him.”
After crossing the bridge, the marchers stopped at the Natchez Visitors Center and then continued through downtown and ended at the Natchez National Cemetery where there were speakers, singing, prayer, scripture reading and a short history on the cemetery.
Like most marchers, Audrey Grey was excited to be involved, but said she wished their was more participation from blacks and whites in the community. “I feel that it should be a unity thing because its not only whites or blacks that die. It’s both,” she said.
Comments
Posted by Idefinitelymight (Tom Scarborough) on May 27, 2008 at 6:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)
This is a very nice tradition, worthy of much broader participation. But I don't understand why so many of the marchers feel that leaving a three mile swath of trash and litter is an appropriate way to honor the fallen. In the aftermath of the march, the street on which I live was festooned with empty water bottles, fast food containers, and candy wrappers. There were seven water bottles in my front yard, all within two or three yards of the empty garbage container I had placed by the street for the marchers to dispose of their trash. Thanks so much. I look forward to picking up after the slobs in the group again next year.
Posted by Preacher (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Several of our churches had very positive recognitions of our service men and women on Sunday. Every family has been affected in some way. The list of servicemen in my family is long. Thank you all for your service to our country and for the freedom we enjoy today. I will never forget and always respect those who have given their lives or served America for us. Count your blessings. Thank God and thank those who serve today.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Amen, Preacher. I fought back tears all day yesterday in gratitude for our veterans. Protesters may rant and rave to bring our boys home, but ask any one of our troops how they feel about it...they'll tell you their country comes first and they will die to defend our great America. God bless our wonderful USA and the many veterans (past and present) who were determined to keep us safe and free.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 11:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I prayed all through the day yesterday, giving thanks for my freedoms and luxurious life, the peace and security we have in our little town
I'm so glad I don't speak German or Japanese
We need to keep up the fight and prevent violence for reaching our streets again. No attacks since 9-11, I'm thankful for George Bush. I know it's tough, but we'll get OBL soon. We've gotten most of the other leaders of Al Qaeda. Our troops have done a good job in Iraq and Afghanistan, but Iran and Syria et al are trying hard to keep stirring things up over there.
God Bless America and her troops.
Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Idefinitelymight
I share your frustration with the asanine and inconsiderate litterbugs we have
the other night I watched as a drunk teenager thundered by in his mudriding pickup throwing out his cup of chewing tobacco spit, I wanted to blow up his truck, but I picked it up. Maybe I'll catch him one night and have him arrested for littering? yeah right
Posted by destiny (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thank God for His protection of America. He calls the finest to take up arms to keep us safe and free. Should He call some of them home they are blessed by being with Him in His wonderful Paradise.
Idefinitlymight; I regret that your property was trashed. Maybe it would be a good idea to contact Mr. William and Mr. Coleman to make it a point to put it on their agenda next year to bring personal liter bags along with each marcher and dispose of it properly. You have such a wonderful idea at setting out a container for them, maybe others along their yearly route could do the same and then the marchers would know where to dispose of their items. While we pray for America, lets keep it clean of liter.
Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 1:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I remember in the early fifties sitting on the porch watching the marchers. Before they covered the ditch between the Democrat & Madison St. they would march in the steet. I remember asking my Daddy why they did it & all he would said "For a good cause."
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on May 27, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am truely thankful for all those who serve and have served in the Military. Many in my family including husband, son, brothers, uncles and cousins have served with honor. I lost 2 uncles in Korea - I never knew them.
It really bothers me that some people don't understand why we need the Armed Forces, or why we have to fight for our freedoms. Check out yesterdays poll question and some of the posts.
Post a comment (Terms of Use Policy)
(Requires free registration.)