Natchez &8212; A Veterans Day celebration will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at Memorial Park, featuring speakers, honor guard and a good dose of patriotism, said John Goodrich, who will be keynote speaker.

Goodrich, a retired U.S. Army helicopter pilot, said his speech will center on honor &8212; the honor due those who serve and the honor with which veterans serve and have served their country.

&8220;Two of the things I&8217;m going to read are the Code of Conduct and the Oath of Office,&8221; he said. &8220;These two are the baseline for how one acts, and they&8217;re still the guide for how I live.&8221;

The code reads, for example, &8220;I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.&8221;

It continues, &8220;I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions and dedicated to the principles which made my country free.&8221;

The program will include an honor guard furnished by VFW Post 9573 of Natchez.

John Kerwin, a retired Air Force major, will be master of ceremonies, emphasizing the program theme, &8220;Supporting Our Veterans As They Serve Around the Globe.&8221;

Goodrich said he will recognize some of the other Natchez-area veterans expected to attend. &8220;I hope to get some &8220;chests filled up with pride,&8221; he said. &8220;And I hope we will have many veterans and their families attend along with many others in the community.&8221;