Reconciliation Celebration Week kicks off with Lemonade Day

The 15th Annual Reconciliation Week Celebration kicked off with their Lemonade Day and Press Conference. The Reconciliation Week Commemorates the 19th Anniversary of the 2003 Lockheed Tragedy.

"Today is the kickoff of Reconciliation Week. We call it Lemonade Day.

My mother adopted the saying, when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. So the Miller family passes out lemonade to the community, those that come out to the press conference, as well as make deliveries to first responders," said Stacey Miller the Chair of the Reconciliation Committee.

For the 13th year, they will also be awarding Scholarships to two Lauderdale High Graduates who were present to read their winning essays and the Committee will have their Charity Spotlight Donation for a local charity.

Recipient of the donation James Carter, Founder of the Carter Foundation had this to say, "Just to see the positivity in Meridian and just and knowing that we are honored just for someone to recognize our work. We know it's a sad occasion, but as she said, they made lemons into lemonade. So just to be able to be recognized, it's an honor."

A former Lockheed Employee who was present during the tragedy recounts that day and what the Reconciliation celebration means to him.

I was there the day of the shooting and knew and were good friends with all that were killed and affected on that day. It's been a blessing, you know, for a lot of years. I kind of pushed everything kind of to the back and did not do anything. But the last couple of years, I've worked with the Miller Foundation and it's been good for me just personally," said Jarvis Towner.

Councilwomen Romande Walker was also in attendance and shared her views on how having a Reconciliation Celebration helps the Community.

"We need to learn how to reconcile. We need to learn how to work on our differences without violence. That's a word we need to get to the community," said Walker.

The Reconciliation Celebration will continue for the remainder of this week with their Memorial Luncheon starting tomorrow at Union Station at 11:45 AM.

The Events for the remainder of this week:

Wednesday, 7/6 – Rev. Charlie J. Miller Memorial Luncheon, 11:45 a.m. at Union Station

Speaker – Jarvis Towner, Pastor of Evangelist Christian Church;

Register online at celebraterw@att.net

Friday, 7/8 – Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, 6:45 a.m. at Meridian City Hall, 3rd Floor.

Prayers offered by local pastors and panel discussion on reconciliation. Donations are accepted at the door; Register online celebraterw@att.net.Saturday,

Saturday, 7/9 - Memorial Motorcycle Parade led by the Queen City Cruisers from

Lockheed (11:00 a.m. assembly) through Downtown Meridian to Forest Lawn CemeterySunday,

Sunday, 7/10 - Reconciliation Sunday - local pastors are encouraged to lead congregations

in prayer for reconciliation