This beautiful display of Old Glory on the downtown riverbank is a joint effort between the American Legion and VFW Post 1962. Approximately 130-150 American flags adorn the area in neat rows as a tribute to all veterans. Individuals may add a flag in honor of their loved one. The display will remain in place until Sunday, Nov. 15, weather permitting. Fighting ceased in WWI when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. For this reason, Veterans Day is Nov. 11, regardless of the day of week, and is a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans, while Memorial Day honors those who had died while in military service. Another military holiday that also occurs in May, Armed Forces Day, honors those currently serving in the U.S. military.
Photo by Hannah Richardson
Daughters of the American Revolution place wreath in honor of veterans
St. Denis Chapter of DAR members Diane Gunter and Judy Kavanaugh placed the wreath on the gate of the Veterans and Memorial Park on Veterans Day. Photos by Hannah Richardson
By Hannah Richardson
The St. Denis Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) placed a wreath on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, at the entrance of the Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park, located on the corner of Church and Second Streets between the new and old courthouses. This wreath honors all area veterans who have served or are presently serving in branches of the armed service. Due to coronavirus restrictions, the wreath was placed at the Veterans Park in lieu of the annual decorating of the tree in the main branch of City Bank. The tree is traditionally adorned with red, white and blue stars naming veterans, living and deceased, from Natchitoches Parish. The Memorial Park honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and families. Bricks can be purchased and placed in the park in honor and memory of those who served our country.
Members of the NSU Elementary Lab 4-H Club observed Veteran’s Day by handing out gift bags to veterans during a drive-thru Thank You at the school. Later, a virtual program was streamed on the web. On the front row from left are Emory Bryant, Reese Kiracofe, Anna Taylor, Lily Lyles, Kallie Guidoz, Isabella Martinez and Zoe Demery. On the second row are Kinsley Dunn, Carson Lyles, Andrew Fontenot and Jayden Fernandez. On the back row are Brody Collier, Ki Carruthers, Jackson Bernard, Matthew Noel, 4-H Sponsor Lisa Wiggins, Connor Cole, Jamison LaCaze and Tano Eleyae.WC ‘Dub’ Messick
W.C. “Dub” Messick, March 30, 1945, (CG, 43rd Div.) was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service.
Sgt. Sonny Hilton, USAF, 1950
We thank all our local Veterans for their service to our country. Pictured is Sgt. Sonny Hilton, USAF, in 1950.
