The state’s five veteran’s homes are hosting private ceremonies for Memorial Day due to COVID-19. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland says despite the virus the holiday is still too important and must be observed to honor those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Memorial Day is the day that we honor the fallen in all of our cemeteries in our Veteran’s Homes. All of our cemeteries will be open, flags will be flying,” said Strickland.
Strickland encourages those who do visit cemeteries to practice social distancing while honoring those who have served.
While Memorial Day ceremonies this year are private this year, Strickland encourages the public to post photos of veterans that have sacrificed their lives for our country on the LDVA Facebook Page.
“Unfortunately, we won’t be able to have public participation because of the social distancing situation. But we look forward to next year when we can all get together, all of us,” said Strickland.
Strickland says it is very important that we teach and show our children the importance of Memorial Day. For example, you can do so by displaying the flag today.
“Or if they want to get out and get some fresh air, we have some beautiful state veteran cemeteries all over the state, and we have our National State Cemetery at Port Hudson, all of those cemeteries will be open,” said Strickland.
Strickland says since the Revolutionary War to present day more than 7,000 Louisianans have paid the last full measure of devotion and sacrificed their lives serving their country.
https://www.facebook.com/VetAffairs.La.Gov
Story by Brooke Thorington.
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