NATCHEZ, Miss. – G. Mark LaFrancis, president of the Home with Heroes Foundation, recently announced a series of events for the week leading up to Veterans Day on Saturday, Nov. 11. The special events will be held from Nov. 4 to 12, culminating with the grand opening of the Miss-Lou Military Museum and Veterans Welcome Center on Sunday, Nov. 12.
LaFrancis said the period, which he calls Veterans Week, will provide “exciting new experiences” in the Miss-Lou area. “Veterans Week is an important time in the Miss-Lou and nation,” he said. “During the week we commemorate Veterans Day Nov. 11 with a variety of programs and special events.”
LaFrancis said Home with Heroes, a private nonprofit organization focused on helping and honoring veterans and their loved ones, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. One of its key events this year is the grand opening of the Military Museum.
The planned veteran events are listed as follows:
* Saturday, Nov. 4: Gift Bags for Veterans (drive-through) presented from 11 to 2 p.m. at Zion Hill No. 1 Missionary Baptist Church, 349 Lower Woodville Road.
* Monday, Nov. 6: Free showing of the film, “Six Triple Eight,” at 6 p.m. at the Natchez Museum of African American History and Culture (NAPAC Museum) at 301 Main St.
* Thursday, Nov. 9: Awards ceremony honoring Herman Curry as “Veteran of the Year” and Lillie DeShields as “Patriot of the Year.” Curry is a retired Air Force colonel and commander of the Natchez High School JROTC; DeShields is a long-time supporter of veterans.
Herman Curry
Lillie DeShields
* Thursday, Nov. 9: Patriotic Parade at 5 p.m. starting at Main Street near Memorial Park. Natchez Police Chief Cal Green, a veteran, will serve as Parade Marshal.
* Saturday, Nov. 11: American Flag Retirement Ceremony at 10 a.m. at the VFW Post 9573, Duncan Park (the old Canteen).
* Sunday, Nov. 12: Grand Opening and Open House for the Miss-Lou Military Museum and Veterans Welcome Center at 107 Jefferson Davis Blvd.
LaFrancis said the public is invited to visit the museum for the Open House and during the week. The museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Other hours can be arranged by calling for an appointment. He asks everyone to “remember to fly your flag and thank a veteran.”
These events are organized by the Home with Heroes Foundation, Natchez Mayor’s Veterans Task Force, veterans’ organizations, and Scouts, according to LaFrancis. For more information, call G. Mark LaFrancis at 601-442-0980.
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