On Monday, the nation will take time out to honor its veterans, and while this day, sandwiched as it is between Halloween and Thanksgiving, may get somewhat lost in the shuffle, honoring the men and women who fought for this country is both our legacy and our responsibility.
Regardless of one’s feelings on war and military actions in general, few would argue that this world would be a very different place if not for the efforts of these brave men and women, so they are deserving of our gratitude every day of the year, not just on Veterans Day. But of course, around Veterans Day the opportunities to express that gratitude are a bit more emphatic, and the River Parishes especially seems to honor its veterans with great enthusiasm.
On Sunday, St. James Parish will hold its annual celebration. It kicks off at 4:30 p.m. at Gramercy Park and, as usual, will culminate in a dazzling firework display.
Then on Monday, St. John the Baptist Parish will hold its third Veterans Day Parade, which will roll down Airline Highway through LaPlace before ending with a celebration at the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Reserve.
So no matter how you choose to honor our veterans, whether it be waving at them as they parade down Airline, enjoying an evening with them under the glow of fireworks or doing something more personal like volunteering at the veterans home, make sure these local heroes know that we as a community are thankful for everything they’ve done.