Veterans of all services, eras, and wars along with their families and friends are invited to attend the annual Memorial Day Ceremony at 9 a.m. Monday, May 26 in front of the Jefferson Davis County Court House.

The purpose of the ceremony is to pay our respects to those who have given their last full measure in service to our country.

Guest speaker for the event will be Jason D. Little, Command Sergeant Major (CSM), 106th Brigade Support Battalion, Mississippi Army National Guard, based in Monticello, Mississippi.

Command Sergeant Major Little graduated from Petal High School in 1981 and enlisted in the Mississippi Army Nation National Guard in April of 1987.

His military education includes graduating from the Primary Leadership Development Course (PLDC), Basic Non-commissioned Officer Course (BNOC), the Advanced Non-commissioned Officer Course (ANOC) and the United States Command Sergeant Major Academy.

During his 27 years in the Mississippi Army National Guard he has held numerous leadership positions to include: Squad Leader, Platoon Leader, First Sergeant and now Command Sergeant Major.

Command Sergeant Major Little was mobilized during Desert Shield/Desert Storm with the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team.  He also deployed with the 112th Military Police Battalion in January of 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

His military decorations and awards include the Combat Action Badge and four Army Commendation Medals.

CSM Little is the father of three children:  Darrell who is attending Law School at the University of Mississippi, Daniel who is also enlisted in the Mississippi Army National Guard, and Devin who works as a surgical technician at Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg.

Many others from Prentiss and Jefferson Davis County have volunteered their time and services to assist with the ceremony and make it a success.  Sheriff Ron Strickland will have his staff prepare and set up the site.

Mr. Charles Dumas, Mayor of Prentiss, will make welcoming remarks.

Mr. Walt Moeller (USA, Retired), of the Prentiss Lions Club, will be Master of Ceremonies, and will present a wreath at the veterans monument.

Reverend Ben James, Pastor of Prentiss Baptist Church will give the invocation.

The Color Guard from Prentiss High School Junior ROTC Battalion will present the Colors and Mrs. Deborah Dickens will sing the National Anthem.

In Addition, the members of the Prentiss Lions Club have strived to make this ceremony a success in honor of the Veterans of Jefferson Davis County.

In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors to the courtroom on the second floor of the courthouse.

Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the ceremony.