JACKSON WILL PARADE ITS SUPPORT OF TROOPS

JACKSON -- Jackson residents will show their support for local men and women serving in the military in Operation Desert Storm Saturday.

The Jackson American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars are sponsoring a parade and patriotic program at the American Legion Hall.

Also, Jackson Mayor Carlton Meyer has signed a proclamation designating Saturday as "Desert Storm Support Day."

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. on South High Street, near the Jackson Frozen Food Lockers. It will move north on High to Main, west on Main to Missouri, north on Missouri to Mary, and east on Mary to the Legion Hall, at the corner of Mary and Highway 61.

Jack Latimer, commander of the Jackson VFW post, said one of its members, Charles Shultz, had talked about a parade to honor the troops in the Persian Gulf. Later, the VFW found out the American Legion was planning a special program to honor the family members of servicemen and women on duty in the Persian Gulf, so the two events were combined into one.

Latimer said the parade will include a marching band, fire trucks, police escort, Boy and Girl Scouts, family members of troops in the gulf area, and VFW auxiliary members.

"Anyone who would like to show their support for the troops is invited to participate in the parade," he said. "Just come down South High Street Saturday morning, where the parade will form."

Mike Hyson, first vice commander of the Jackson American Legion, said the program at the American Legion Hall will include the presentation of the colors by a color guard, musical selections by members of the New McKendree United Methodist Church, and a presentation by Rev. Samuel E. Roethemeyer, pastor of Emmanuel Untied Church of Christ, representing the Jackson Ministerial Alliance.

"Everyone attending the program will be given an American flag, and we urge everyone to carry an American flag in the parade," Hyson said.

A rally for troops is also planned Saturday in Perryville, beginning at 2 p.m. on the courthouse square. It will feature speakers, high school bands, and the reading of local soldiers' names who are serving in the gulf.