Veterans Day Across Avoyelles

Schools and communities honor local veterans with lessons in patriotism, flag presentations and classroom visits.

Veterans gather at Paragon for Veterans Day tribute

Veterans and participants gather outside Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville for its Nov. 11 Veterans Day observance. The free program began at 10 a.m., featuring guest speakers Dale Lonidier, Bruce Jackson, John Bordelon and Matthew Shallington. Robert Gros, vice commander of the Cenla Honor Guard, served as master of ceremonies and delivered opening remarks.

The Honor Guard presented the colors and service flags, Priscilla Brouillette led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Brylee Ledet performed the national anthem. The Rev. Kyle Couvillion of Avoyelles House of Mercy offered the invocation and benediction.

Paragon’s Lonnie R. Bridges Sr. delivered closing remarks and a poem. Veterans presenting military credentials were offered a small Lucky Wok meal for ages 18–21 or a $20 Club Paragon meal voucher for those 21 and older.

Fifth Ward Knights of Columbus honors veterans at memorial program

The Fifth Ward/Moncla Knights of Columbus Council 9418 held its Veterans Day Memorial Program Nov. 7 at the Kramer Funeral Home campus in Fifth Ward. The theme was “Proud to Have Served!”

Wilbert Carmouche welcomed attendees. The Cenla Honor Guard and members of Monsignor Van der Putten Fourth Degree Assembly 2333 presented the colors. Father Dwight de Jesus, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, offered the opening prayer.

Airman 1st Class Naomi Lamartiniere recognized the military branches as representatives presented their service flags: Chad Coco, Army; Irvin DeGrusha, Marine Corps; John Trovinger, Navy; Mickey Romano, Air Force; Larry Bringol, Coast Guard; and Robbie Ewing, Space Force.

Grand Knight Mike Chatelain offered remarks, Deacon Darrell Dubroc gave the closing prayer, and Michael Guillory led “God Bless America.” Each serviceman received a token of appreciation.

The Our Lady of Lourdes Ladies Altar Society provided refreshments. Organizers also expressed appreciation to Kramer Funeral Home and its staff for supporting the program.

Plaucheville ceremony honors veterans

Veterans were honored during a ceremony sponsored by the American Legion post in Dupont at the Plaucheville Memorial.

Father Manuel offered the invocation and closing prayer, with special recognition of Vietnam veterans.

Avoyelles Parish Clerk of Court Connie Desselle spoke about her father's World War II service, accomplishments and sacrifices.

Darrell Rabalais arranged and planned the ceremony. In a message shared by Stephen Couvillion of Knights of Columbus Council 2142, organizers thanked the American Legion, participants and all veterans for their service.

Pictured on left: Avoyelles Parish Clerk of Court Connie Desselle speaks during a Veterans Day ceremony at the Plaucheville Memorial, sponsored by the American Legion post in Dupont.

American Legion Post 130 visits Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy

American Legion Post 130 visited Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy on Nov. 5, where students were presented with miniature American flags and given a lesson on the symbolism of the flag and the meaning of Veterans Day.

Sacred Heart School in Moreauville welcomes veterans

Retired Air Force General John Bordelon and fellow veterans visited Trinity Christensen’s fourth-grade class at Sacred Heart School in Moreauville on Nov. 4, distributing American flags and speaking about patriotism ahead of Veterans Day.