Memorial Day events planned at VNMP

Published 9:56 am Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Re-enactors, a concert and the rededication of the Missouri Monument will highlight Memorial Day events at the Vicksburg National Military Park from May 27 to 29.

All events in the park are free, although the regular park admission fees will be charged.

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The weekend events start at 9:30 a.m. May 27 with a living history presentation by the 3rd United States Colored Cavalry at the old Superintendent quarters on Pemberton Avenue. The living history organization portrays African-American involvement in the Union Army during the Civil War.

The re-enactors will be in the park from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 27 and 28, with ranger talks and living history demonstrations taking place throughout the weekend.

The troopers will also ride with park staff members in Vicksburg’s annual Memorial Day Veterans Parade through downtown on Memorial Day. Also on Memorial Day at 1 p.m., the National Park Service in cooperation with local veterans will host a memorial ceremony at the Vicksburg National Cemetery across from the USS Cairo.

At 1 p.m. May 27, the park in partnership with the Missouri Sons of Union and Confederate Veterans will hold a rededication ceremony at the Missouri Memorial.

“The Missouri Monument was dedicated in October 1917. It is unique, because it recognizes veterans from both sides,” said Scott Babinowich, park public information officer.

Babinowich added that residents from Missouri fought on both sides during the Civil War. “It was built where two Missouri units (one Union, one Confederate) fought each other.”

One of the speakers for the ceremony will be retired Brig. Gen. Parker Hills, author of “Vicksburg National Military Park: Art of Commemoration.”

Re-enactor groups will also attend the ceremony and the governors of Missouri and Mississippi, and the states’ congressional delegations have been invited.

The Mississippi Symphony, sponsored by the Friends of Vicksburg National Military Park and Campaign, will present its annual concert at 7 p.m. May 27.

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.

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