PRESS RELEASE
RECONCILIATION WEEK CELEBRATION 2026
Reach, Relate, Respond
MERIDIAN, MS (May 27, 2026) – The 18th Annual Reconciliation Celebration will be held July 7 – 12, 2026, commemorating the 23rd Anniversary of the 2003 Lockheed tragedy. What began as a one-day annual observance expanded to a weeklong celebration in 2008. This year’s theme, aligned with America’s 250, is “Celebrating Freedom through Reconciliation”.
What’s New?
We’re excited to announce that this year’s Lemonade Day will take place at The Max.
The complete schedule is below.
Tuesday, 7/7:
Lemonade Day Press Conference – Kickoff from The Max 10:30 am. RWC
Proclamation read by Mayor Bland; Scholarship and charity recipients announced.
Lemonade and Cookie Delivery to first responders.
Wednesday, 7/8:
Rev. Charlie J. Miller Memorial Luncheon
11:45 am, First Baptist Church, Meridian
Speaker – David Jones, a John Maxwell Team Certified Speaker.
Thursday, 7/9:
Twin States Talent Showcase
7:00 p.m., Meridian Community College’s McCain Theater, presenting reconciliation, healing, and hope through the arts.
Cash prizes:
1st place, $300; 2nd place, $200; 3rd place, $100
Friday, 7/10:
Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
6:45 am; Meridian City Hall
Saturday, 7/11:
Memorial Motorcycle Parade led by the Queen City Cruisers from Lockheed (10:30 pm) through Downtown Meridian to Forest Lawn Cemetery
Sunday, 7/12:
Reconciliation Sunday – local pastors encouraged to lead congregation in prayer for reconciliation
To celebrate the memory of the lives lost in the Lockheed tragedy of 2003, we will promote reconciliation in distinctive ways. We will reach out to those in need and hold events that allow the community to relate across racial lines to create a positive response. Our endeavors to reach out will include a donation to a local charity and delivery of lemonade and desserts to the first responders. For the 17th year, we will also award two deserving Lauderdale County high school graduates with Rev. Charlie J. Miller Memorial Scholarships for $500.00 each. The winning essays will be read by the recipients of the Rev. Charlie J. Miller Memorial Scholarships at the Lemonade Day Press Conference.
For the 2nd year, our Mental Health Awareness Campaign will include an online presence along with vendors at Lemonade Day.
This year’s speaker for the Rev. Charlie J. Miller Memorial Service is David Jones (https://djlc.org/). David Jones is a John Maxwell Team certified speaker, specializing in culture changing team talks, inspiring workshops, passionate keynotes on Leadership, Personal Development, Player Development and Team Culture. We will also present the Reconciler Award to 2 deserving members of our community.
The Twin States Talent Showcase is an opportunity for contestants aged 10 to 25 to showcase talent in the areas of music, dance, drama, and spoken word. Auditions are required. Participants will be judged for feedback and constructive critique. Prizes will be awarded – 1st Place/$300; 2nd Place/$200; and 3rd Place/100.
The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast on Friday is a Mission Mississippi event. This is an opportunity for local leaders to pray for our city and communities. On Reconciliation Sunday, local churches are encouraged to set aside a prayer for reconciliation during their Sunday service.
