2026 Memorial Day Parade and “30th of May Parade” Marker Dedication
Walking Parade - Vidalia, LA to Natchez National Cemetery
Date: May 25, 2026
MEMORIAL DAY – MONDAY, MAY 25, 2026
WALKING PARADE FROM VIDALIA, LA – ACROSS THE EAST BOUND MS RIVER BRIDGE – TO THE NATCHEZ NATIONAL CEMETERY
Miss-Lou Memorial Day Parade
Two ceremonies will be held
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026
9:30 a.m. – First Ceremony
Unveiling of Miss-Lou Memorial Day Parade marker at 639 S. Canal St., in front of the Holiday Inn Express.
Speakers:
Roscoe Barnes III, cultural heritage tourism manager at Visit Natchez
Annette Sharp, general manager of the Holiday Inn Express (Note: She authorized us to post the marker on the property.)
Dan M. Gibson, mayor of Natchez
Unveiling of the marker will follow the presentation by Gibson.
11 a.m. – Second Ceremony
Ceremony at the Natchez National Cemetery at 41 Cemetery Road
Welcome
Charlotte Taylor
Assistant Director of the Mississippi National Cemetery Complex
U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs
Guest Speaker:
Glenn R. Powers
Deputy Under Secretary for Field Programs and Cemetery Operations for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Cemetery Administration (NCA)
Introduction of Speaker
Roscoe Barnes III
Posting of Colors
Natchez High School’s AF JROTC
Recognition of Mayors (and other elected officials)
Laura Jackson
Chair of the Committee for the Miss-Lou Memorial Day Parade
Remarks
Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson
Natchez Grand Marshal
