HAROLD KELLER

Honor our fallen war heroes On Friday, May 25, at 7:30 a.m., at the Holiday Inn in LaPlace, the committee of Get High on Life will host its second annual Memorial Day Prayer Breakfast. Last year, over 140 people attended and paid tribute to the men and women who served their country in the different wars and especially remembered those who gave their lives to defend the freedoms we enjoy. The public is invited and a special appeal to all VFW and American Legion members and their families to make plans to attend. If you are interested, please call Get High on Life at 652-8477. I am old enough to remember World War II. I had the privilege to serve, but never saw action, during the Korean War. I also remember, all too well, the almost-forgotten Vietnam War and saw Americans come together during the Persian Gulf War. After World War II, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board published a book titled, “St. John’s Heroes.” The dedication read, and I quote, “In grateful rememberance to those valiant sons of the Parish of St. John the Baptist who gave their lives to the cause of freedom.” The preface read: “To show our love, esteem and gratitude to those who gave their lives for the cause of freedom is impossible. We hope, however, by this book we may preserve the memory of their heroic sacrifice in the minds of all who may read these pages. Their memory will always live in our hearts, their unselfish devotion to home and country will always serve as an example and inspriration to all.” Thirty-one young men from St. John the Baptist Parish were killed during the war. They paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we now enjoy. Also recorded in this book are awards received by the St. John the Baptist Parish men while serviing in World War II. The Legion of Honor was awarded to two St. John veterans. Four young men received the Silver Star (second only to the Medal of Honor). Seventeen men were awarded the Bronze Star. Twenty-seven received the Purple Heart. (This award is given when someone is wounded in battle.) The Presidential Unit Citation was given to 18 of our young men. Allow me to list in alphabetical order the 31 young men who bravely fought and died for each of us. These men should never be forgotten. Walter Bergeron of Garyville, Leo Boutte of Garyville, Peter Caravella of LaPlace, Alfred Chapoton Jr. of Garyville, Larry Englade of Lions, Lionel Hymel of LaPlace, Sidney Johnston Jr. of Garyville, Aristide Keller of Reserve, Allen Klibert of Garyville, Henry LaBranche of Montz, Arthur Lasseigne of Reserve, Larry Lasseigne of Reserve, Louis Lorio Jr. of Edgard, Marcel Madere of LaPlace, Robert Michel Jr. of Lions, Raymond Millet of Lions, C.F. Montegut III of LaPlace, Nolan Montz of Lions, Roy Montz of Reserve, Vince Palermo of Garyville, Edward Remondet of Reserve, Marion Robert of Reserve, Sterling Rome of LaPlace, Lloyd Schexnayder of Garyville, Camille Simon of Reserve, Joseph Sutton of Reserve, Roger Tassin of Wallace, Gillespie Templain Jr. of Reserve, Eldon Theard of Reserve, Robert Vicknair of Reserve and Samuel Villemont of Reserve. Of these 31 men, six were in the Navy, three in the Marines, 16 in the Army, five in the Army Air Corps and one was in the Coast Guard. Let’s not forget the reason for Memorial Day. Yes, it’s a celebration, but should we celebrate, more than remember, the real heroes who are responsible for our freedom? Next Friday, let’s show our gratitude by gathering together and pay respect and honor the men and women who serve their country, unselfishly. May God continue to bless America! HAROLD KELLER writes this column as part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group. Call him at 652-8477.