The second of four yearly flag-raising ceremonies sponsored by The Army-Navy Club of Vicksburg will take place Tuesday, marking the spring installment of the event and honoring Cpl. Betty Sue Drake as the new flag is hoisted above the Highway 80 bridge across the Mississippi River.

The ceremony takes place four times a year over the River City, as the club retires one flag and replaces it with a new one every three months. Each new flag is raised in honor of a patriot with ties to Vicksburg and sponsored by a group or individual. 

Tuesday’s new flag will be sponsored by ​​Mark and Robyn (Lea) Posey and Eric Posey.

“This Flag will be flown in memory of Mark’s mother, Cpl. (Dr.) Betty Sue Drake,” club officials said. “

Drake was born Nov. 16, 1924, in Haleyville, Ala. and died Feb. 23, 2020, in Hattiesburg. She was awarded the American Campaign Medal for her military service in the American Theater of Operations during World War II. She was also awarded the World War II Victory Medal as a member of the United States Marine Corps who carried out duty between the dates of Dec. 7, 1941 and Dec. 31, 1946.

Drake received her bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Auburn University, her master’s degree in library science from Peabody College at Vanderbilt University, and a doctorate in library science from North Texas State University.

Drake was the periodicals librarian at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). She was the curator of Special Collections at USM until her retirement. Her final assignment was to serve as the curator of the Armed Forces Museum at Camp Shelby.

Drake is buried at Biloxi National Cemetery where she was laid to rest with military honors. Members of the Marine Corps League served as pallbearers.

Tuesday’s ceremony will take place at the overlook at the Mississippi Welcome Center, located at 4210 Washington Street, next to the Highway 80 Bridge entrance, at 11 a.m.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a flag dedication, or simply making a tax-deductible contribution, may do so by making out checks to the Army and Navy Club of Vicksburg, in care of Flag Program Chairman, Norman Francingues, 100 Redbud Circle, Vicksburg, MS 39180.

For more information, call 601-831-0454.