LAPLACE — On Saturday the United States of America will turn 239, and since no birthday is complete without a celebration, St. John the Baptist Parish officials have multiple events planned for residents to revel in Fourth of July fun.

The 10th annual Veterans Luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Louisiana Army National Guard Readiness Center, located at 4120 West Airline Highway in Reserve.

The parish-sponsored celebration has honored local military members for the past two years by showing a video comprised of pictures of fallen service members. The tradition will continue this year at the luncheon, as well as live on the Independence Day broadcast and on the parish’s website and Facebook page.

All veterans and their spouses are invited. No invitation is needed. Call 985-652-9569 to RSVP.

Gene Franques, a local U.S. Air Force veteran, said he is looking forward to the luncheon.

“It’s hard to say which part is my favorite, but what comes to mind, are two things … the respect and thankfulness that is shown to all vets, both to who have already served and to those still serving,” Franques said.

“I also enjoy it when they play all five service songs. It was an honor to serve and it is an honor to be recognized by fellow Americans.”

The 15th annual Independence Day Celebration and Firework Show will take place Friday night, with the parish hosting celebrations on each side of the river.

St. Peter Catholic Church, located at 1550 River Road in Reserve, is the East Bank celebration site, and West Bank residents are invited to join in on the fun at the St. John Courthouse, located at 2393 River Road in Edgard.

The celebrations will begin at 6 p.m., and a live broadcast of the event will begin to air at 7 p.m. on the government accesses channel for residents to watch at home.

Reserve resident Carla Remondet said she and her family attend the celebration each year.

“It is usually a great time to catch up with family and friends, and they put on a great firework display,” Remondet said.

The firework show will start at 9 p.m.