By By Chris Whitaker / staff writer
June 15, 2002
Reproductions of colorful posters circulated throughout the U.S. during World War II to mobilize the nation's support for the war effort will make their way to Meridian's Union Station on July 4 as part of a Smithsonian Institution tour.
Lou Pennebaker, president and founder of the Memory Tree Foundation, said the Meridian stop will be the grand finale of the exhibition's national tour. Seven cities in Mississippi will have hosted the "Produce for Victory" exhibition by Independence Day.
The exhibition is reminiscent of World War II days when a strong patriotic spirit surged across the county, she said.
Prior to the opening, a July 3 reception will honor "home front heroes," with award presentations by U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran and a special appearance by the original "Rosie-the-Riveter," Ethel Kelley. Following the reception, a USO show will open to the public at 7:30 p.m.
The exhibition "Produce for Victory: Posters on the American Home Front, 1941-1945,"  is designed to serve libraries, historical societies and museums. It will open at 10 a.m. on July 4 and remain on view until Aug. 31.
In conjunction with the opening of the exhibition, the Memory Tree Foundation's Fourth of July "Proud to be an American Parade," will be held at Bonita Lakes starting at 7 p.m. The Meridian Symphony Orchestra will play music from the 1940s era before and during a patriotic fireworks display.
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