VETERANS PARADE SET TODAY AT 4 IN JACKSON

JACKSON -- The city will observe Veterans Day today with a parade, followed by a ceremony at the Jackson American Legion post home.

The observance is sponsored by Jackson American Legion Post 158 and the local VFW post.

The parade will begin at 4 p.m., followed by the ceremony at the post home at 4:30 p.m., organizers said.

Ian Sutherland, Cape Girardeau County assistant prosecuting attorney, will speak at the post home. A retired Army lieutenant colonel, Sutherland served with the 82nd Airborne Division and Special Forces.

Sutherland was highly decorated during his military career. Among the medals he has received are a Silver Star and five Bronze Stars.

The parade will form in front of the Jackson High School Music Building and the Jackson Frozen Food Lockers, and proceed north on High Street to Main. It will then turn west on Main to Missouri Street, and north to Mary Street, ending at the post home.

A number of veterans groups, including the American Legion Color Guard, and the Cape Girardeau and Jackson VFW posts will be represented in the parade.

Mrs. Ora Hopkins of the American Legion Auxiliary will serve as the grand marshal.

Participating in the parade will be the Jackson High School Marching Band and the bands from Oak Ridge and Meadow Heights. The Jackson Fire Department, rural fire departments and an antique car club will also participate, organizers said.