The Southport Memorial Library will host a Veterans Day Ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 11 to remember and honor those who served. All are invited to gather inside the library at 10:45 a.m. The ceremony will begin at 11 with a quiet moment as the flag is lowered outside. The ceremony will continue with prayers, song and the playing of Taps followed by a speaker. 

Michael William Emery will be the speaker for this ceremony. Michael’s uncle, William Friend Emery, was lost at sea in the tragic sinking of the USS Indianapolis on July 30, 1945. Michael’s biggest passion has been the story and legacy of the USS Indianapolis CA-35.  He speaks to schools, civic and fraternal organizations, military bases, local and national media, and has consulted on a feature film about the ship.  Michael is one of the co-authors of “Lost At Sea But Not Forgotten” and became a USS Indianapolis Honorary Survivor in 2017. After meeting with Brig., General J. Stewart Goodwin (USAF retired) at the Indiana War Memorial, the two worked together to create an annual Honor Watch to remember the 879 Indy boys who did not come home. Michael was invited to be the keynote speaker to commemorate the National MIA/POW Recognition Day on Sept. 17, 2021 at the Indiana War Memorial. After the ceremony, Mr. Emery will be available to talk about his project and answer any questions.

Attendees are encouraged and welcome to stay at the library after the ceremony to share in fellowship, cider, coffee and sweet treats, as well as to watch Jim Singer’s tribute to the veterans of the area and get further information about the banner project.