Saturday, November 11 is Veterans Day. This year we will be paying a special tribute to two men who, with the help of other area leaders, are responsible for the establishment of our beautiful Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park. The original committee included representatives from business, government, and Veterans groups.
Robert Gillan and Grant Bowden, both were on the original Park Committee, and were instrumental in the planning and securing of funds for the Park. The story of their dedication to this project, as well as their personal military service will be a focus of this year’s program. Therefore, we will host the program in the Veterans Park itself, which is located on the corner of Church and Second Streets, behind and to the side of The Old Courthouse and our Current Courthouse Buildings.
The program will begin at 11 A.M. as was the tradition when the holiday began. We invite the public to attend and honor our area Veterans. This day was set aside for honoring ALL who have served the United States of America in the Military. We will be dedicating 10 new bricks into the Park and will recognize the families of those 10 Veterans.
Our keynote speaker will be Major (Retired) Duane Bailey, Senior Army Instructor at Natchitoches Central High School JROTC Program. He will share some of the highlights of his military career, and talk about the importance of Veterans Day. Veterans across our country will be attending similar programs, especially since it falls on a Saturday this year.
The Natchitoches Lions Club will serve light refreshments at the end of the program. Please join us on Nov. 11 at 11 AM in the Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park. We look forward to sharing this special day with all of you.
