At this week’s City Council meeting, Officer James Drewery, himself a veteran, announced that U.S. Army Sergeant Sidney L. Worthy had been named Picayune’s 2024 Veteran of the Year in honor of Sgt. Worthy, the city will host a special Veterans Day ceremony on Monday, Nov. 11, at 9 a.m., outside the Veterans Memorial City Hall.

“We felt this special tribute would be most meaningful if combined with our Veterans Day wreath-laying ceremony,” Drewery said, inviting the public to celebrate Sgt—worthy’s lifelong commitment to service.

Sgt. Worthy was born on Feb. 2, 1923, in Hernando, Miss., and joined the U.S. Army during World War II. He completed basic training at Camp Joseph T. Robinson and was soon deployed overseas, overseeing the establishment of a general hospital in England. Later, he served as a medical sergeant in France, providing critical care on the front lines.

After the war, Worthy returned to Mississippi and earned a degree from Mississippi State University. He then spent four decades at Crosby Land & Resources, contributing to community development and conservation. He also served as treasurer of Picayune’s First United Methodist Church for 40 years.

“Sergeant Worthy exemplifies the spirit of dedication and service,” Drewery added. “His contributions in and out of uniform have left a lasting impact.”

The Picayune community is invited to attend the wreath-laying ceremony on Monday, which will honor Sgt—worthy’s legacy and recognize the sacrifices of all veterans.