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The headlines of a statewide newspaper read, ‘He gave his life for other people.’  The article spoke of a former New Orleans mayor, Moon Landrieu, who died last week at age 92.  When elected in 1970, he broke the barriers and integrated public service.

Darrell Saizan, one of the first Black employees that the mayor hired, said he changed the whole dynamic of the city.  He integrated city government in a meaningful way which provided a lesson to the private sector to do the same.  It took a lot of courage to do what he did, but he did it.

I always admired Moon Landrieu since he was an outstanding pitcher on the Loyola baseball team.  At that time, the River Parishes had a semi-pro baseball league.  Reserve was coached by Frank Monica and I was the batboy for the team.  When available, Coach Monica would get Moon to pitch and I think paid him $25.00.  (Remember, this was many years ago.)  The people loved Moon and the attendance was larger when he pitched.

Many years later when I was elected to serve St. John in the State Legislature, Moon was one of the representatives from New Orleans.  He was a big support of New Orleans getting the Superdome and was one of the key people that Governor McKeithen needed to pass a code of ethics bill.

In my lifetime, I think Moon Landrieu was an extraordinary public servant and one of the best.  He was indeed a man of faith and service to others.

 

If you any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 504-881-0113, or e-mail hkeller@comcast.net.