By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
Oct. 22, 2002
Nevella Massey of Meridian has a lot to remember each Veterans Day.
Massey, 83, of Meridian, served as a hospital dietitian in the U.S. Army for nearly 10 years, including part of World War II.
Massey and other organizers of this year's Veterans Day Parade are encouraging more public participation this year.
James Swartz, 56, of Meridian is the public relations representative for the local Veterans of Foreign Wars committee involved with planning the parade and ceremony.
He also said about 60 entries have registered so far for this year's parade, but he would like it to be bigger than last year's, which had more than 100 entries.
Organizers will meet next Monday to firm up plans for the Veterans Day ceremony, including what speakers and guests will participate. The program is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the Doughboy Monument downtown. The parade will begin at 3 p.m.
Swartz said there will be a flyover at 11 a.m. by jets from Naval Air Station Meridian, signifying the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month when the armistice to end World War I was signed.
Massey, who started her work in the war effort through Civil Service in 1942, was sworn into the U.S. Army in 1943. She served in Italy during much of World War II. On Veterans Day, she said she remembers those who didn't come home from the war and the sacrifices that were made.
Veterans Day parade
Entries in the Veterans Day Parade will line up on Seventh Street from 26th Avenue to 41st Avenue, beginning at 2:30 p.m.
The parade route will start at Seventh Street, turning right on 26th Avenue and proceeding to Front Street. It will turn left on Front Street and proceed to 22nd Avenue. The parade will turn left on 22nd Avenue proceeding to 10th Street where the parade will end.
To submit an application for a parade entry, send the following information to: The American Legion, P.O. Box 2071, Meridian, MS 39301. The deadline for entries is Friday:
Organization (include contact person, address, home phone number, work phone number and cellular phone number).
Organization description.
Total number of units.
Type of unit (describe, including length of float or trailer, whether it is a commercial or non-commercial entry, band, marching band, truck, car or van).
Theme description.