Miss-Lou Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony at Natchez National Cemetery

The Miss-Lou Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony at Natchez National Cemetery is a riverfront tradition built around a shared act of remembrance. You gather in Vidalia, Louisiana, then join a morning walk across the Natchez-Vidalia Bridge, crossing the Mississippi River into Natchez, Mississippi. Families, veterans, and residents from both sides of the river move together toward the cemetery, where the day concludes with a formal program overlooking the water.

Expect quiet respect, not spectacle. You will see veterans’ groups, civic leaders, and community members in a solemn procession across the bridge. If you want the best overall view, stake out a spot along the riverfront in Vidalia or Natchez; if you want the most direct experience, walk with the group. At the cemetery, the ceremony typically includes a color guard, a keynote speaker, and Taps.

Plan your morning with the clock in mind. Arrive at the Vidalia staging area by 7:30 AM for the 8:00 AM start, and aim to be at the cemetery well before the roughly 11:00 AM program if you are not walking, since nearby parking is limited. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring water, and prepare for sun and humidity with high-SPF sunscreen plus a handheld fan or umbrella. If heavy rain moves in, outdoor elements may shift to an indoor site or start later.

Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Pets are generally not encouraged during the formal cemetery portion, though you may see well-behaved leashed dogs along the bridge route. For convenience, you can stay near the Vidalia riverfront to simplify the early start, or choose a boutique inn or classic bed and breakfast in downtown Natchez for a more atmospheric base; regional rentals, including quieter lakefront options, are also available. The walk from the Vidalia lineup to the cemetery is about two miles, and return transportation is usually up to you, although some local groups occasionally arrange shuttles for veterans; restrooms are available at the cemetery and near the Vidalia riverfront.