Memorial Day At Vicksburg Military Park

Flags Flying for Fallen Veterans

Vicksburg 05/24/08 --- WLBT

Eighteen thousand flags were placed in honor of the fallen veterans buried in the Vicksburg National Cemetery. Of the seventeen thousand Union soldiers buried at the park, only five thousand are known.
Other veterans of more modern conflicts, including World War II and the Korean War, were also laid to rest there. The confederate soldiers who died during the Siege of Vicksburg are buried at the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Vicksburg.
Vicksburg National Cemetery has the largest number of Civil War interments of any cemetery in the country.
Larry Bonner, Vietnam War Veteran said, "It's a lot of grave yards, a lot of stones. It's kind of awesome". "It's nice to come visit places like this and see things like this."
The flags will stay in place through Memorial Day.

Soldiers Through The Ages
By Julie StrawJulie@wlbt.net

If you ever wanted a lesson in U.S. military history, a quick trip to the Vicksburg National Military Park would serve you well. Restored weapons and vehicles along with recreated uniforms and supplies make the "Soldiers Through The Ages" demonstration entertaining and educational.
One man in particular brings the stories of our country's past alive. Richard Gentry has been recreating the stories of American heroes for 26 years. He always wanted to serve in the military, but a cripling accident as a child kept Gentry from his dream.
"I tried to get in the Navy. I tried to get into the Army. I tried the Air Force, even the National Guard. They still wouldn't take me. I figure divine providence has another thing for me to do. So this is my passion," said Gentry.
Gentry estimates he's spoken to two million people over the last quarter century. Educating families like the Burkes.
"It was cool to see how the gun was shot," said 10 year old Kylee Burkes. Her father, MS National Guard Staff Sergeant Darwin Burkes said, "I learned a lot of new stuff from the Civil War all the way up to present day. I wasn't really in tune with some of that stuff."
"It's very interesting to see people interested in the history of a little bit of life about the soldier and also remember why this weekend is here," said Rick Martin, the Chief of Operations for the Vicksburg National Military Park.
After all it is Memorial Day weekend. Just one weekend out of the year to pause and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"We can wake up every morning without fear and we should give thanks to them for that and not forget everyone that sacrificed all. All of their tomorrows are gone. They gave it up for us so we should remember that," said Gentry.
The "Soldiers Throught The Ages" demonstration can be seen at the Vicksburg National Military Park from 9a.m. to 4p.m. Sunday. There is an $8.00 fee per vehicle (if you have an annual pass there is no charge per vehicle).