Miss-Lou Tribute to vets begins posted Wednesday, November 7th, 2012 @ 1:42 pm  E-mail Story |  Print Story  Final preparations are being made for the Miss-Lou Patriotic Tribute Nov. 7-11 at the Natchez Convention Center. "Excitement has been building for some time, and the event is almost here," said Doug McCallister, event chairman and veteran. "We expect an event people will remember for a long time." "This will be a major tribute to our soldiers and veterans and their loved ones," McCallister said. "This Tribute has been hailed as one of the most memorable group of exhibits in the nation." The Tribute is a group of exhibits that travel the nation in honor of soldiers killed in action, veterans, victims of the 9/11 attacks, police and firefighters. Here is what the tribute entails: Displays representing statistics from every war/conflict that the USA has been involved in. A series of World War II panels portraying the entire timeline of events. A Korean War Tribute representing the timeline of the entire conflict with maps and photos. The Traveling Vietnam Wall: A 50 percent replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial In Washington, D.C., a 360-foot long wall with all 58,253 names. A display of the United States of America's founding and significant historical documents including the Constitution, Declaration of Independence and other historical documents. Panels honoring law enforcement and firefighters. A 9/11 Tribute with the names of all 2,984 casualties by where they were located at the time of death. The AVTT "Gold Dog Tag" display, honoring those who have fought in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Tribute, which is owned by American Veterans Traveling Tribute, will arrive at the Natchez Convention Center around 2:30 p.m. by major escort Wednesday, Nov. 7, from Winnsboro to Natchez, Miss. From Nov. 8 through 10, the exhibits will be open to the public free from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., and from 7 a.m. to early afternoon on Sunday, Nov. 11. Four corresponding events will occur: An Opening Ceremony will be Thursday, Nov. 8, at noon, with keynote speaker Col. Jerry D. "Chip" Butler, deputy commander, 66th Troop Command, Mississippi Army National Guard. At 7 p.m. Thursday will be the special presentation "A Salute to Soldiers and Their Loved Ones in Piano and Poetry" with veteran and author G. Mark LaFrancis and pianist and performed Sylvia Johns Ritchie. On Saturday, Nov. 10, an American Flag Retirement Ceremony will be at 10 a.m. on the grounds outside the Convention Center. Audience members may participate in retiring a flag. An outstanding Veterans Day Program will be Sunday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. which includes keynote speaker Brig. Gen. Robert F. Thomas, commander, 66th Troop Command, Mississippi Army National Guard, and the posthumous presentation of the Bronze Star and other honors to the family of the late Cpl. L. W. "Buck" Brown. For more information, call 1-800-647-6724. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS WEDNESDAY, NOV. 7, 2012 The American Veterans Traveling Tribute travels by escort from its departure in Winnsboro, LA, to the Natchez Convention Center. Adams County Sheriff's Dept. Major Charles Harrigill is the escort coordinator. Volunteers help off-load and assemble the exhibit Wednesday afternoon. THURSDAY, NOV. 8, 2012 Doors open to the public 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Student groups visiting during the day Opening Ceremony Noon, Natchez Convention Center Keynote Speaker: Col. Jerry D. "Chip" Butler Jr., Deputy Commander, 66th Troop Command, Mississippi Army National Guard The Ceremony will include special musical selections, remarks, and other activities. "A Salute to Soldiers and Loved Ones in Piano and Poetry" 7 p.m., Natchez Convention Center A memorable and inspirational program featuring Author G. Mark LaFrancis And Pianist Sylvia Johns Ritchie FRIDAY, NOV. 9, 2012 Doors open to the public 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Student groups visiting during the day SATURDAY, NOV. 10, 2012 Doors open to the public 7 a.m.-11 p.m. American Flag Retirement Ceremony 10 a.m., on the grounds outside the Convention Center Co-sponsored by area Scout organizations and Copiah-Lincoln Community College Please join us for this solemn and memorable experience. Those in the audience will be invited to retire a flag. SUNDAY, NOV. 11, 2012 Veterans Day Doors open to the public 7 a.m. until closing Veterans Day Program 11 a.m., Natchez Convention Center The Ceremony will include special musical selections, remarks, and other activities. Keynote Speaker: Brig. Gen. Robert F. Thomas, Commander, 66th Troop Command, Mississippi Army National Guard A special program with the posthumous presentation of the Bronze Star and other honors to the family of the late Corporal L. W. "Buck" Brown. Following the Veterans Day Program, the exhibit will close and be prepared for departure. For the full story, subscribe to the The Concordia Sentinel's NEW E-Edition!