LAPLACE – Local youth in summer camp recently participated in a series of activities in preparation for Independence Day.
Over a two-day period, campers at Garyville-Mt. Airy Magnet School and West St. John Elementary School received visits from local veterans who spoke about the history and importance of Independence Day and asked trivia questions to test their knowledge about the holiday.
Campers painted canvases to honor the self sacrifice and civic engagement of the veterans and those currently serving the country.  The canvases will be used as placemats during the 13th Annual Veterans Luncheon today at the Louisiana Army National Guard Readiness Center.  The mats will be available as keepsakes for all attendees.
Conrad Soraparu, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, spoke to campers at West St. John Elementary School on the importance of a simple “thank you” to those who have served and are currently serving in the the military.  Army Staff Sgt. Wesley Mitchell explained the meaning of Independence Day to campers at Garyville-Mt. Airy Magnet School.
“This is a day to teach young people about the sacrifices made by their families and neighbors,” said Mitchell. “It’s about ensuring that when today’s children hear the history and traditions of our great country, they know that all of it would not be possible without veterans.”
All veterans are invited to the St. John the Baptist Parish Veterans Luncheon today at the Louisiana Army National Guard Readiness Center beginning at 11 a.m. Residents are invited to the 13th annual Independence Day Celebration and fireworks show on the grounds of St. Peter Catholic Church, 1550 Louisiana Highway 44, Reserve, and the St. John Courthouse, 2393 Louisiana Highway 18, Edgard, at 6 p.m. The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m., and the east and west bank events will be filmed and broadcast live on the St. John Parish Government Access Channel, channel 15.