Memorial Day observances will kick off early in the day in Vicksburg, when the 46th annual Parade of Veterans makes its way down Washington Street, beginning at 10 a.m. Monday, May 26.

The parade will be followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. at the Ardis T. Williams Sr. Auditorium, located at 901 Monroe St. and featuring Col. Christian Patterson, Commander, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).

Following the service, the annual motorcade to the Vicksburg National Cemetery on Fort Hill Drive will be followed by the wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the men and women who gave their lives in service of their country.

The theme for this year’s activities is “Lest We Forget” and events are sponsored by the Vicksburg-Warren County Memorial Day Committee, the American Legion Tyner-Ford Post No. 213 and the American Legion Allein Post No. 3.