Next week, at 10 a.m. July 28, the design of the Mississippi Persian Gulf War Memorial will be unveiled at a ceremony in the rotunda of the state Capitol in Jackson.

The Mississippi Legislature authorized this memorial to be located at the Mississippi State Veterans memorial Cemetery near Newton.

The expected date of completion and dedication is in April. The state Veterans Affairs Board is requesting the assistance of surviving family members whose loved ones served in the Persian Gulf. The board would like mailing addresses, copies of obituaries and copies of suitable photographs to be etched on the memorial wall.

If you know the surviving spouse, parents or children of a these Gulf War casualties, please help us spread the word to have these veterans receive this additional honor so long awaited. You can contact me at 601-445-8706.

Also, keep our Armed Forces in your prayers for their safe return and for world peace.

Erle Drane is the veterans service officer for Adams County.