The families of two Mississippi Army National Guard soldiers killed in Iraq last year will help kick off a Veteran’s Day parade next month in Jackson County.

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce is preparing to host two days of events in Pascagoula and Moss Point, and are urging the public to come out in support of the men and women in uniform.

A Veteran’s Day program is scheduled for Nov. 10 in downtown Moss Point and the 7th Annual Veteran’s Day Parade is set to roll through Pascagoula the following day.

The families of Sgt. 1st Class Sean Cooley of Ocean Springs and Spc. Terrance Lee of Moss Point, both killed in Iraq during a deployment last year, will help lead the parade. Both soldiers were members of the 155th Brigade Combat team, which spent last year in the war-torn country with more than 3,500 Mississippi Guard soldiers and others from accross the country.

Cooley, 35, of Ocean Springs was killed Feb. 3, 2005, when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Northern Babil Province.

Lee, 25, of Moss Point was killed on June 11, 2005, in Owesat Village when his armored personnel carrier was struck by an improvised explosive device.

Linda Johnson, vice president of operations at the chamber of commerce, is encouraging participation by families, friends and supporters of veterans.

“We specifically need to remember people in Iraq and this is a good way,” said Johnson.

Churches, schools and organizations also are encouraged to put mobile units in the parade lineup.