Mississippians Planning Now to Honor Vets

SFC Anthony Kaylor will take part in annual event to honor vets. Photo by Richard Williams, March, 2015.

Whether you’re into the military, motorcycles or American history, you’ll likely find something to enjoy as part of the 13^th Annual Trail of Honor in Jackson. The event will feature five Medal of Honor recipients, Tuskegee Airmen, the Moving Wall, and living historians from every major military engagement starting with French and Indian War, as well as those involved in current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“It’s an opportunity to meet war heroes,” said Sergeant First Class Anthony Kaylor, “people who are part of history.”

As part of the May 16-17 events, motorcycle buffs can expect to see over 1,000 riders and their machines at the Harley-Davidson of Jackson store. The riders will be coming from all across the country on their way to Washington, D.C. as part of the Run for the Wall motorcycle rally on Memorial Day weekend.

Matthew Russell a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom from Monticello, Mississippi will take part in the rally.

“I ride in the event because I want to show my support for all the soldiers who came before me and after. I lost several friends in Iraq. I ride in the event for them. They can’t be here so I ride in their place,” Russell said.

Instructors and students from the paramedic program at Hinds Community College will operate a booth in conjunction with the Warrior Bonfire Project. Their hope is to raise awareness about the men and women who have left war zones with life changing injuries.

Paramedic instructor Patricia Dawson has a personal reason for volunteering her time.

“I’m the first generation of my family not to serve in the military, so I hope the skills I have learned in the medical field from being on a local volunteer fire department to teaching new paramedics can somehow help give back to those who have given up so much for our freedom.”

The event is expected to draw large crowds of more than 10,000 people daily from all over the state. Visitors are urged to park at the Jackson Police Department Pistol Range at 1005 E McDowell Rd. and ride shuttles to and from the event. All activities are free and, the event will be operating from operating from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Riders from across the country are expected to arrive in Jackson starting Monday, May 18 at noon.

Story submitted by Ole Miss student Richard Williams, rrwilli4@go.olemiss.edu.