By Monique Roth

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home hosted its annual Krewe of Heroes Mardi Gras carnival on Feb. 27.

2014 Krewe of Heroes King Junius Markey and Queen Rita Kaul presided over the festivities along with their royal court of nine princes and nine princesses.

Markey is an Airforce veteran who served in Vietnam and Kaul is a WWII veteran who served in the Marine Corps.

The Don Rich Band, along with special guest Otis Scott, played both traditional Mardi Gras songs as well as some patriotic numbers, and guests and residents at the event were treated to a meal and king cake. Home Administrator Cleveland Obey toasted Markey and Kaul as king and queen.

A highlight of the festivities was a processional of past Krewe of Heroes royalty and 2014 prince and princesses.

Past royalty Valerie Freeman, Larry Smith and Larry Periloux all greeted the crowd before the procession of 2014 royalty began.

The 2014 princes for the Krewe of Heroes are Darryl Sicarelli, Rudy Baker, Herman Bonnette, Charles Richard, Roy Verett, Malcom Mire, Julien Trepagnier, Granville Sistrunk and Eugene Turner.

The 2014 princesses for the Krewe of Heroes are Joanne Sicarelli, Marion LaLa, Belle LaHoste, Marcia Troxler, Nettie Verett, Nell Klundt, Nancy Acosta, Lee Webb and Betty Bishop.

Veteran Council President Guy Engolio served as master of ceremonies and said the veterans home was “a great place to live.”