Veterans Day in Hattiesburg

The City of Hattiesburg celebrates Veterans Day each year through a series of activities coordinated and presented by the Hattiesburg Veterans Committee. These include a 24-hour vigil, a Veterans Day Parade that is presented by the Magnolia Chapter of the Armed Forces Top Enlisted Association and a ceremonial program. These are described in further detail below.

VETERAN OF THE YEAR

This year, the Veteran of the Year Selection Committee announced Rex C. Hasty as the 2023 Veteran of the Year!

“Our city has been selecting an outstanding citizen who has served our nation honorably in one of the United States uniformed military branches for the past 29 years,” said Veteran of the Year Committee Chair, Col. Sheila Varnado. “This year in 2023, we are proud to include Master Sergeant Rex C. Hasty into this select group of distinguished veterans.”

To learn more about Rex, his story and the reasons why he was selected, click here.

The Hattiesburg Veteran of the Year program seeks to locate and recognize those who have served our Nation, returned home and continue to serve our community. The selection committee is comprised of all living previous awardees of this distinguished recognition who continue to reside in the Pine Belt area. The selection committee invites the community at large to nominate eligible veterans who have made sustained and notable contributions in the greater Hattiesburg community. The selected Veteran is always introduced to Hattiesburg on Veterans Day, November 11 during the Hattiesburg Veterans Day Program at Veterans Memorial Park.

Do you know a veteran who fits the criteria above? Anyone in the community can nominate an outstanding Veteran for consideration of the award. The basic requirements for entry follow:

1. Must be a resident of the Hattiesburg area for the last five (5) years (Forrest and Lamar Counties).
2. Must be a Veteran of any service branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
3. Must have received an honorable discharge for military service (Copy of the DD Form 214 required).
4. Must have demonstrated the spirit of good citizenship and patriotism.
5. Must have made some significant contribution (s) not just to fellow Veterans but, to the overall betterment of the larger Hattiesburg community.

Please contact Colonel (Ret) Sheila Varnado, Chair, Hattiesburg Veteran of the Year Selection Committee at varnados@comcast.net for further details on the nomination process.

VETERANS DAY PARADE

This annual event coordinated by AFTEA celebrates and honors the many veterans in our community and across the United States. There is no fee to be in the parade, but registration and acknowledgment of the rules are required. All participants must be aware of and agree to the regulations in order to complete this application.

[REGISTRATION FORM]

Friday, November 10, 2023
Parade Line-up: Hardy Street Baptist Church, 1508 Hardy Street
Participants can arrive for line up starting at 7:30 am
The parade will begin at 10 a.m.

For questions or concerns, please contact Linda Montgomery or Marion Walley with AFTEA. Linda Montgomery – E-Mail: lmontgomery60@gmail.com // Phone: 601-298-4296; Marion Walley – E-Mail: walleycsm@comcast.net // Phone: 601-596-3830