Remembering the fallen

Memorial Day ceremonies held locally

By Erik Sanzenbach and Nate Munro
St. Tammany News
Published on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 9:17 AM CDT

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St. Tammany military veterans and residents gathered Monday to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.

Memorial Day ceremonies were held in Covington and Slidell, sponsored by the local chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.

The observances, first ordered by the U.S. Congress to honor soldiers who died during the War Between the States, now honors soldiers who have died while serving in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Lebanon, Panama, the Persian Gulf War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

World War II veteran Jack Lemons, left, and an unidentified friend watch the Memorial Day ceremonies Monday morning at the St. Tammany Justice Center in Covington (Staff Photo by Erik Sanzenbach)

The war dead were honored with a 21-gun salute during a ceremony at the St. Tammany Justice Center. Members of the American Legion Post 16 Honor Guard fired off three rounds in memory of their fellow soldiers who did not make it home.

In Slidell, Lt. Commander Darin Evanson was the keynote speaker at a ceremony held at the Honaker Cemetery, and he recounted how he lost 16 fellow soldiers and friends during the current war in Iraq.

Wreaths were laid at both ceremonies to honor those who gave their lives to defend the United States of America.

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Comments

1 comment(s)

Ricky Road Rat wrote on May 29, 2008 1:43 PM:

" well, better late than never.
I know Cowboys don't cry but
Gentlemen, ask ANY combat Veteran who the real "heros" are and you'll see their eyes tear up as they recall their
fallen friends. I've got more to say, but This moment is for them.
Thank you. "

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