By MOLLY DRYMAN

Staff Reporter

DES ALLEMANDS – The Des Allemands Veterans Monument, located at 17292 La. Hwy. 631, has honored local veterans and is still seeking donations.

Eric Folse, retired carpenter, created this monument beside St. Gertrude Catholic Church, in honor of his brothers who fought in World War II and the Korean War.

“I raised $30,000 in one year for this monument,” said Folse. “On Nov. 6, 2004, we dedicated and honored 320 local veterans. All the veterans on the monument so far are from the west bank of St. John Parish.”

Folse said the west-bank is the only place donating to this monument. Raffles were held, along with luncheons to raise money, but only the west bank supported.

Folse will continue to take names of deceased veterans and any other local veteran for the monument. The cost is free to west bank residents, because of the huge donations, but cost $2.50 per letter for everyone else.

“The monument cost between $25,000 to $28,000 to build,” said Folse. “The money left over in the bank will be used to add more names to the monument. We have room for at least 5,000 more names.”

Folse said he is still accepting donations for the Des Allemands Veterans Monument through the First National Bank of Boutte.

“I appreciate all the donations,” said Folse. “I’d like to thank the Candies family for all their support.”