In observance of Memorial Day, Cynthia Jo Parsons, mother of injured war veteran Sgt. Shane Parsons and member of the Wounded Warrior Project, will speak during the Memorial Day events in downtown Dowagiac.

Parsons’ son was injured Sept. 30, 2006, when anti-coalition forces attacked Shane’s convoy in Rhamadi, Iraq. The struggle she and her son have endured since that day have led her to increasing the public’s awareness of wounded soldiers returning home from Afghanistan and Iraq. She also serves as caregiver to Shane, who has endured 15 surgeries, relearning to speak and managing post-traumatic stress disorder.

“I’m honored to be his mother,” Parsons. “I’m proud of all the men and women who serve our country.”

Parsons will speak before the Memorial Day Parade in downtown Dowagiac at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 28. The parade will travel through downtown and end with a ceremony at Riverside Cemetery at noon. For more information, contact the Dowagiac Masons at (269) 782-2377.