Each Wednesday, L’Observateur recognizes individuals and businesses in the River Parishes who have gone “above and beyond” in their efforts to make this a better place to live, work, play and raise a family.

We believe an integral part of a community’s wellbeing is an attitude and arena where people who do good things … who work to improve life for others … who try to make a difference … are recognized and saluted.

Because this is a salute to members of the community of the entire River Parishes, we solicit your recommendations for groups or individuals to be considered for inclusion.

This week we salute:

• Felix Simoneaux Jr., who recently celebrated his 105th birthday. Simoneaux has lived in LaPlace since 1930.

• The veterans of the River Parishes, who through the years have given their blood, sweat and tears and sometimes their lives in defense of the liberties the rest of America enjoys every day.

• The recent graduates of the River Parishes, who recently walked across myriad stages to receive diplomas and degrees. Their years of hard work have paid off, and now they are ready to lead the River Parishes into the future.