I honestly believe that St. John Parish does one thing better than any other parish and that’s honoring the military veterans.

Two weeks ago, when Mr. Benny Robichaux approached me with a flier promoting the inaugural Flag Day ceremony. He enthusiastically said, “It will be inspirational and something people will never forget.”

I thought with the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home Memorial Day Service, its participation in the Veterans Day Parade, the Parish President’s Fourth of July Luncheon honoring the veterans, and the Get High on Life Memorial Day Breakfast, do we really need another program?

The Flag Day ceremony was held last Saturday (June 11) at 2 p.m. at the Veterans Home.

Mr. Benny called me the day before and shared that his voice was weak and asked if I would consider being the emcee if he needed.

I agreed, but when I arrived Saturday, I saw the crowd and how much work he and many others had put into this which was so special to him.

When he asked if I would be available, I said, “Benny, your voice is fine and God will give you the strength to emcee. It was your idea and no one else can do justice to this program.”

Benny is a World War II veteran and he and his wife, Pat, live in LaPlace. He is First Vice- Commander of American Legion Post 383 of LaPlace.

With the support of VFW Post 3337, the Boys Scouts of America, (principally Troop 406) the Young Marines of St. John the Baptist Parish, and many volunteers from various veterans organizations, along with representation from all first responders that were present in an Honor Line, and especially Sonya Hebert and the employees and volunteers of the Veterans Home, the ceremony was a big success. I think I’m as patriotic as anyone. The proper way to handle and dispose the flag will always be a reminder to me of what Old Glory should mean to all of us and how we should always honor and respect it.

Mr. Robichaux was an excellent emcee. The program was as he promised – educational and inspirational.

If you have any questions or comments, please write Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail hkeller@comcast.net.