Declaring variables

I normally use MSSQL and am not as familiar with DB2.  In MSSQL, I can declare and set variables like this:

DECLARE @begdate DECIMAL(8,0)
DECLARE @enddate DECIMAL(8,0)

SET @begdate = '20060101'
SET @enddate = '20060626'

How would I do the same thing in DB2?

I am trying to run an SQL statement against an i5 database using iSeries Navigator.

Thanks.

Derrick