Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

NATCHEZ — Sunday is Flag Day but it also will be the inaugural Natchez-Adams County Day of Unity.

To mark the event, church bells throughout the city will ring in unison at 1:50 p.m. Sunday and people are invited to join for prayer and music at the gazebo on the bluff at 2 p.m. Sunday.

“Please bring water as well as an umbrella for shade,” organizers said. “Most importantly, please wear a mask and plan to social distance for COVID-19 safety.” Organizers also encourage attendees to bring a flag that represents peace and harmony.

The event will open with the national anthem sung by Deborah Cosey, said Darryl Grennell, Natchez mayor.

Also participating will be area pastors, including the Rev. Scott Thomas of St. Mary

Basilica and the Rev. Ruby Mallory of Berean Faith Ambassadors Ministries.

Other musical offerings include a hand bell solo by Jon Gates, Organist and Director of Music, First Presbyterian Church, and a performance by a group of Alcorn voice students.

On Tuesday, June 9, the Board of Aldermen adopted a joint resolution proclaiming Flag Day, June 14, to be an annual Day of Unity in Natchez Adams from this time forward.

The action was part of the City and the County’s official response to the death of George Floyd and the national outrage over police brutality and racial inequities in law enforcement.

Grennell said he will present the same resolution to the Adams County Board of Supervisors on Monday, June 15, for their approval.

Area churches participating in the unison bell ringing include First Presbyterian Church, Jefferson Street United Methodist Church, St. Mary’s Basilica, Trinity Episcopal Church and Zion Chapel AME Church.