This afternoon the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs will host a wreath-laying ceremony at the Veterans Memorial Park, adjacent to the State Capitol. LDVA spokesperson Brandee Patrick said Secretary Col Joey Strickland has been working with the governor to revitalize the park.
“And now it is a beautiful representation of our veteran population honoring them for their service and their sacrifice,” said Patrick.
Four wreaths will be placed before today’s ceremony at the Heritage Monument, which honors African American veterans, the Gold Star Monument, the bust of George Washington in honor of Purple Heart veterans and the Minute Man statue for state guardsmen.
Patrick says Strickland will be joined by Governor John Bel Edwards and wreaths will be laid to represent each branch of the military as well as those who are Prisoners of War and Missing in Action.
“These ceremonies are always solemn, we reflect on veterans’ service and the legacy they leave behind,” said Patrick.
Earlier in the day at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell Patrick said they will hold burial honors for 23 unclaimed veterans. She said it’s our duty to ensure those veterans receive a dignified burial and final resting place of honor.
“And then we will have a live playing of Taps to close out the ceremony in honor of those who we’ve lost,” said Patrick.
For a listing of Veterans Day events taking place in Louisiana click here.
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