Veterans will be honored on their day, Thursday, in Vicksburg with a parade, a wreath-laying ceremony and other events.

The speaker for the annual wreath-laying ceremony, set for 11 a.m. at Memorial Rose Garden on Monroe Street, will be U.S. Air Force Reservist Lt. Col. Scott Ditto of Vicksburg.

Ditto is the commander of the 172nd Airlift Control Flight in Jackson. He has served in Afghanistan, Iraq, Germany, South Korea, South America and Haiti.

Louis Hasty, commander of the American Legion Post 3 on Monroe Street, will read the classic World War I era poem “In Flanders Field.”

The Rev. Steve Campbell of Laurel will lead the group in a prayer, followed by singing by Ditto’s daughter, Taylor, and post No. 213 member Arnette Nash.

The master of ceremonies will be retired Col. Bennie Terrell.

Bricks honoring all veterans by the Hill City Chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart will be dedicated at the rose garden on Monroe Street, and the 412th Engineer Command in Vicksburg will end the ceremony with a 21-gun salute and “Taps.”

A parade along Washington Street will roll at 4 p.m.

Additionally, veterans will be served breakfast by members of the Warren Central High School Junior ROTC at 7:45 a.m. A program will follow. As part of a national program, Annabelle, Cherry Street Cottages and the Baer House bed and breakfast inns will offer a free night’s stay and meal vouchers at local restaurants to veterans.

They also will be admitted free to the Old Court House Museum and the Biedenharn Candy Company and Coca-Cola Museum.

The Vicksburg National Military Park is offering free admission all day.