Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the Veterans Day Tribute is set for Friday. An earlier version had the incorrect date. We apologize for the error and are happy to set the record straight.

Residents of Meridian and east Mississippi are invited to attend a Veterans Day Tribute, hosted by the East Mississippi Veterans Foundation, on Friday at the East Mississippi Veterans Park adjacent to Meridian’s historic Key Field.

The tribute, which will begin at 1:30 p.m., will honor and recognize area veterans for their service to our country.

Guest speaker for the event will be NAS Meridian’s Command Master Chief Craig Johnson. CMC Johnson is the senior enlisted person at NAS Meridian and works as a liaison between the commanding officer and the enlisted ranks, serving as the senior enlisted leader. In this capacity, the CMC assists the commanding officer in issues of quality of life, discipline, training and morale.

The National Anthem and Special music will be provided by Meridian High School Choir led by Student Conductor Marquavious Kennedy, under the direction of Alanna Burns and Sabina Ivy.

During the program, Gold Star Mother Wilma Allen will announce plans for the addition of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument to the East Mississippi Veterans Park. Planning and fundraising for this monument will soon begin, and the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument committee will be seeking support from the community to have this memorial honoring area Gold Star Families added to the East Mississippi Veterans Park. When completed, this will be the fourth Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in the State of Mississippi. Gold Star monuments are currently in Gulfport, Camp Shelby and Tupelo.

Questions concerning this event may be directed to Jeff Summerlin, President, East Mississippi Veterans Foundation at 601-480-0293 or email at emvmfoundation@gmail.com.

Questions about the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument may be directed to Gold Star Mother Wilma Allen, at 601-479-2508 or email at wallen1019@aol.com.