The Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park was filled with veterans, families and area residents May 25 as the community held its annual Memorial Day Program.

Jeremy Miller, a NSU Army ROTC alumni, former Army officer and combat veteran, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Johnnie Dunn gave the opening prayer after which the NCHS Army JROTC Color Guard posted the colors. Sara Puryear-Dunn sang the National Anthem. Alexis Broadway and Madison Johnson, two Girls’ State participants from NCHS and Lakeview High Schools, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Memorial Day address was delivered by Provencal native, NSU alumni, and retired USMC Colonel Sean D. Wester. 

Trish C.G. dedicated the new memorial bricks after which Bill Gordy and Janet Darfus named each of the area veterans who passed away this year after which Dr. John Dunn played Taps. The Cane River Stitchers then presented several area veterans with handmade quilts.

A moment of silence was observed after which Rev. Kris Paul closed the program with a prayer. The attendees were then invited to a reception at the VFW/American Legion Post. The ceremony concluded with the traditional singing of Irving Berlin’s “God Bless America”. It is in ceremonies like today’s, held in communities across our nation, in which we remember the price paid for our liberties. May the memory of the fallen from our community be a blessing.