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The Natchitoches Parish Veterans and Memorial Park was filled with veterans, families, and area residents on November 11 as the community held its annual Veterans Day Program.

Jerry McWherter, an NSU ROTC alumni and former Army officer, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Army Veteran Jeremy Odum gave the opening prayer after which the NSU Army ROTC Color Guard posted the colors. Ms. Constance Bush then delivered a superb rendition of the National Anthem.

Ms. Trish G. C. read the names of area Veterans whose names were added to new bricks in the walkway. Included in that number was Air Force Captain Carl Edwin Jackson whose aircraft was shot down in 1965. Captain Jackson’s remains were never recovered, and he is listed as Missing in Action. In what has become a yearly tradition, the Cane River Stitchers presented notable area veterans with homemade quilts that honor their service.

The Veterans’ Day address was delivered by NSU Army ROTC alumni and Natchitoches native Lieutenant Colonel John Hatley whose remarks touched on the price of service.

Former Army Infantry officer and retired Natchitoches educator Bill Gordy delivered the closing prayer, after which the program ended with NSU’s Dr. Samuel Stokes leading the audience in God Bless America. NSU’s Army ROTC retired the colors.

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is donating the event photography. The gallery is unlocked and photos are free to download.

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