By Vance Perkins
Approximately 100 local citizens braved the heat, humidity and gnats to attend the Memorial Day observance at the DeQuincy Veterans Park. Attendees were welcomed and the program began with a prayer led by Sister Viney Silas of SureHouse Ministries. The Star Spangled Banner was sung by Amber Rippy. A brief history of Memorial Day was given by Kale Deal, Cadet SGT Major South Beauregard JROTC. A short history of DeQuincy’s War Monument which honors those who gave the ultimate sacrifice during WWI, WWII, Korea, and Vietnam along with the story of DeQuincy Veterans Park was given.
The names of those engraved in granite were read aloud. Taps was then played by Rev. Anthony Kennon on the trumpet. Richard Morgan from Westlake, of the National Sojourners then led the flag retirement ceremony assisted by Chuck Bagwell, Jerry McCaig, Denisia Wood and DeQuincy Vol. Fire Dept. members T. J. Sanders and Riley Whittington. Councilman Scott Wylie also assisted. Several flags were brought in to be disposed of by burning as dictated by the U.S. Flag code. Several citizens also participated by assisting Morgan with unfolding and placing flags into the fire.
We were privileged to have in attendance members and officers of local VFW posts. The DeQuincy Veterans Park with the giant flag waving over The DeQuincy Railroad Museum housed in the 1923 KCS Depot in the background made for a magnificent view.
Special thanks to Robert LeBlanc for providing sound equipment and operating it for us. See you on Veterans Day in November.
God Bless the USA.
