Meridian and Lauderdale County residents are invited to recognize Mississippi’s Gold Star families Wednesday as the 2025 Tri-State Gold Star Families Memorial Riders make a stop in the Queen City. The Riders are conducting a three-state ride recognizing Gold Star families, remembering fallen heroes and honoring veterans in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. The event began Sept. 28, at the National WWII Museum Gold Star Family Memorial Monument in New Orleans, and will conclude at the Gold Star Family Memorial Monument in Tupelo, on Oct. 3. A Gold Star Families Memorial Monument is planned to be a part of the East Mississippi Veterans Park. Details about Meridian’s Gold Star Families Memorial Monument can be found at woodywilliams.org/monuments/meridian-ms.