Contact: Kenneth Billings
The G.V. "Sonny" Montgomery Center for America's Veterans at Mississippi State will host a ceremony honoring Oktibbeha County's WWII veterans Saturday [Aug. 28] with U.S. Senator Thad Cochran as keynote speaker.
The free event will begin at 10 a.m. in the Colvard Student Union's Foster Ballroom and is open to the public. Other hosts include the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum and the Greater Starkville Development Partnership.
Jennifer Gregory, vice president of tourism development for the GSDP, said the event is a result of a joint project of the three organizations to compile and preserve an oral history of the county's military contributions to the war through its veterans.
Gulf States Manufacturers Inc., is providing one-of-a-kind steel medallions for each veteran in attendance commemorating the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II.
In addition to Cochran, Gregory said those on the program include William Freeman, adjutant general for the Mississippi National Guard; Roy Ruby, retired MSU vice president for student affairs; and Mark Keenum, MSU president. Former Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck will serve as emcee.
Veterans wishing to be recognized who have not been contacted or received an invitation to the event are asked to RSVP by contacting Gregory at 662-323-3322.