The City Council presented a resolution to Robert Gillan at the City Council meeting Oct. 23, declaring Nov.11, 2017 as Veterans Day in the City. The citizens of Natchitoches and the U.S. live in freedom because of the contributions and personal sacrifices made by those who have served and by those now serving in the Armed Forces. The nation has fought and continues to fight battles around the world for the ideas of liberty and justice.

The public remembers with somber and grateful hearts those men and women who have served in the military with distinction and valor as sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines and offer their sincere prayers for those who continue to defend the principles on which the nation was founded. The community will endeavor to always honor the contributions and sacrifices of the millions of veterans who have, over the centuries, served in the military.

Natchitoches Parish is home to over 3,000 veterans. The City is proud to recognize the country’s veterans and extend the appreciation of its citizens to those who wear the uniforms of the U.S. Armed Forces and serve on the front lines, preserving freedom and liberty.

The City encourages all its citizens to observe and appreciate the sacrifices and contributions veterans have made while fighting for peace and defending democracy in the U.S. and abroad.

A Veterans Day Service will be held Saturday, Nov. 11 at 3 pm in the Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park, located at the corner of Second and Church Streets. The theme is ”Salute to Women Veterans.”

The program will include:

Master of Ceremonies – Truman Maynard

Opening Prayer – Rev. Lindy Broderick

Posting of the Colors – Lakeview High School Air Force Jr. ROTC

Pledge of Allegiance – James Gay

Singing of the National Anthem – Sara Puryear-Dunn

Veterans Day Introduction – Scott Stetson, USA (R)

Veterans Day Remarks – COL Linda Ferguson, Fort Polk, BJACH commander

Recognition of Women Veterans – Donna Masson

Moment of Silence & Taps – Dr. John Dunn

Update on Park Projects and Pavers – Donna Masson

Comments from the VFW/American Legion and Auxiliaries – Dee Fowler

DAR Patriotic Tree – Dr. Colleen Lancaster

Closing Prayer – Rev. Melinda Newman

* The Patriotic Tree sponsored by the St. Denis Chapter of DAR honoring
all area veterans will be on display in the lobby of the Downtown City Bank,
Nov. 2 -21.

For more information contact Grant Bowden at 357-3106 or Bob Gillan at
352-7746.

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