The federal holiday fell on May 25 this year and we went to the ceremony at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery near Keithville.
The ceremony was very well attended with many dignitaries present; this year a new monument was unveiled to honor the sacrifice of veterans. The Battlefield Cross monument dedicated at the ceremony was approved by Arlington National Cemetery and depicts a family member kneeling at the foot of a Battle Cross made of the boots, weapon, helmet, and dog tags of a fallen soldier.
There were speeches by dignitaries
and placing of wreathes.
The Young Marines did an excellent job.
The ceremony closed with a salute.
Today, May 30, was the Memorial Day Service at Greenwood Cemetery at the corner of Centenary and Stoner in Shreveport. This service is sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 30.
Greenwood Cemetery is among Shreveport's oldest and has a large veterans section. This is where two of the Kelley brothers are buried.
The graves are always decorated.
This ceremony is dear to us and I'm always a little sad that it isn't better attended by the general public.
The veterans organizations and the veterans are there every year, though!
We see lots of old friends there. Here is Steve and his buddy John Long:
John is with the Sons of the Confederacy:
There was a lovely rendition of the National Anthem by Parkway High School AFJROTC:
The speaker today was Lt. Bill Davis who reminded us to always remember the fallen and their sacrifice. He spoke eloquently of Old Glory and the pride of America.
Then came the wreaths:
The Parkway AFJROTC served as escorts:
Steve placed a wreath for the 40 & 8 Voiture 137.
Our friend Ron Chatelain is always present each year to present:
The Sons of the American Revolution:
The Knights Templar of USA:
The Parkway AFJROTC held a flag folding ceremony...
...and the event closed with a gun volley by the Sons of the Confederacy:
With the playing of TAPS, it was over.
The Parkway AFJROTC always does a lovely job at this event and God bless John Andrew Prime of The Shreveport Times who is the epitome of the old school newspaperman and I mean that in the best way. With notebook in hand and whatever it takes, he is there for vets every single time.
If you missed it this year, put this on your calendar for next year.
Take time today to remember.
The SIGIS Take a Trip Series:
Take a Trip to the 2012 Natchitoches Christmas Festival
Take a Trip to the 2012 Grand Cane Pioneer Day and Christmas Parade
Take a Trip to the 2012 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at BAFBTake a Trip to the 2012 Grand Cane Pioneer Day and Christmas Parade
Take a Springtime Trip to Second Hand Rose Antiques in Minden, LA
Take a Trip to Logansport, Louisiana
Take a Trip to the Lock and Dam on Red River
Take a Trip to the 2012 Barkus and Meoux Parade
Take a Christmas Shopping Trip to Second Hand Rose in Minden
Take a Trip to the Fourth Annual Barksdale AFB Oktoberfest
Take a Trip to Grand Cane's Fifth Annual Pioneer Trade Day
Take a Trip to the 2011 Highland Jazz & Blues Festival
Take an Autumn Trip to Jefferson, Texas
Take a Fall Trip to Second Hand Rose Antiques in Minden
Take a Trip to the 8th Air Force Museum at Barksdale Air Force Base
Take a Summertime Trip to Grand Cane
Take a Trip to Desoto Parish
Take a Summer Trip to Second Hand Rose Antiques in Minden
Take a Trip to Natchitoches and Melrose Plantation
Take a Trip to Ed Lester Farms and a Random Antique Stop
Take a Trip to the Norton Art Gallery and the Masters of Cuban Art Exhibit
Take a Trip to Natchitoches to See the Christmas Lights
Take a Trip to the Third Annual BAFB Oktoberfest
Take a Trip to Natchitoches and Oakland Plantation
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