A ceremony to honor those who fought and died in America’s wars will be held at noon today at the Natchez National Cemetery.

Bob Mims, an ex-prisoner of war, will serve as keynote speaker, said Master of Ceremonies Tommy &uot;Blackie&uot;&160;Williams.

The event will also feature music by a Natchez High School ensemble and instrumental performances by Charles Rounds. And youth groups, including the Salvation Army youth group, will read patriotic selections.

&uot;The veterans’ and other patriotic organizations of this area got together to do this,&uot;&160;Williams said. &uot;This is just our way of honoring those who fought and died for our country.&uot;

Vidalia participants in the Grand March for the Memorial Day parade will meet at 8 a.m. at Magnolia and Alabama streets.

They will march down Magnolia to Texas Street, turn right and go one block to turn left onto the bridge.

In Natchez, participants will line up at the Natchez Visitor Reception Center at 10 a.m. They will go north on Canal Street, right on Franklin, left on Pearl, left on Oak and right on Maple.

They will continue onto Cemetery Road to the Natchez National Cemetery.

Natchez Police Chief Willie Huff said Cemetery Road will be blocked from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the parade, but residents on that street will be allowed through. He said Natchez Transit Authority buses will take parade participants from the Natchez Little Theater to the cemetery.