A Tribute to Servicemen

In honor of servicemen across the country, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5097 in Thibodaux is holding a Memorial Day Service May 28 at Heroes Park. The event will begin at noon.

The public is invited to attend.

Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day is set aside to remember those who have died in service to our nation.

The holiday has roots in the South, dating as far back as the Civil War when women’s organizations decorated the graves of soldiers killed in the War Between the States. In 1868, U.S. General John Logan, who was national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, ordered in May of that year that flowers be placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

It was officially declared a national holiday in May 1966 by President Lyndon Johnson.

Among those expected to participate in VFW Post 5097’s service are the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, the Thibodaux Community Band and the Thibodaux High School J.R.O.T.C.

The event will include a blessing of the monument in Heroes Park on Talbot Avenue, a presentation of wreaths and flowers, reading of the names etched on the monument, a POW/MIA tribute, flag presentation and firing of a volley of shots in honor of the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives to ensure the freedom of Americans everywhere.

For more information, call (985) 447-9804.