Two servicemen will speak at the VFW’s Memorial Day service Monday morning.

Sgt. John W. Emory Jr. and Col. Amos Philip Parker Jr. will discuss the importance of remembering those who have died in service for the United States.

Emory, 82, is a Korean War veteran and served in the National Guard division. Emory graduated from Hinds Community College in 1954 and Mississippi College in 1961. He currently serves as the executive director of the 31st Infantry “Dixie” Division Veterans.

Emory currently lives in Jackson and is a member of Woodland Hills Baptist Church, North Jackson Lions Club, Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club, Nash Car Club and Antique Vehicle Club of Mississippi. He has four children, eight grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

Parker is the commander of the 154th Regiment (regional training institute) in the Mississippi Army National Guard. Originally from Brookhaven, Parker graduated from McComb High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Mississippi and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the United States Army War College. Parker has been in military service since 1986.

His military awards include two Bronze Star Medals, two awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, two awards of the Army Commendation Medal, the Iraq Campaign medal with campaign star, and two awards of the Mississippi Magnolia Medal.

He is an Eagle Scout, and is an active volunteer for scouting in south Mississippi. He is a recipient of the Order of Saint Maurice. He is a member of the First Baptist Church in Summit, and he is married to the former Carol Slaton and has two children. The family resides in Summit.