Heroes Farewell: May 2024

The Robert H. Burns American Legion Post No. 16 hosted a Memorial Day Ceremony in front of the St. Tammany Parish Justice Center on Monday, May 27, 2024.

A number of dignitaries took part, with over 200 people in attendance. Past Commander Dennis Charlesworth served as master of ceremonies.

The St. Tammany Veterans Honor Guard advanced the colors and gave a three volley rifle salute, and afterwards paid their respects with a salute to their Post's namesake Robert H. Burns, with a visit to his gravesite in Covington Cemetery No. 1 not far from the courthouse.

Brewer Arnoult sang the National Anthem and "God Bless America," while the Pledge of Allegiance was led by "Miss Poppy" Madelyn Ogden and "Little Miss Poppy" Cecilia Ogden. The pledge was also "signed" by a group of American Heritage Girls.

The program included the recognition of the POW/MIA Chair by Ken Diebold, comments by Pam Herty with the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 16, and recognition of Matt Cole with the Marine Justice League.

Mike Cooper, president of St. Tammany Parish, (at left above) welcomed those present, and Chuck Rooney (second from left) gave a stirring speech about the meaning of Memorial Day, with specific instances of sudden tragic loss on the battlefield. Joe Bosch (at right) read two poems he had written about Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. Military. Originally known as "Decoration Day," it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

Following the ceremony at the courthouse, all were invited to join Mayor Mark Johnson at the Covington City Hall for a Veterans Appreciation Reception. Over 100 enjoyed the chance to sit down, cool off from the earlier sunlit ceremony at the courthouse, and shared a meal and musical entertainment.

The official dedication of the Fallen Heroes Memorial took place Friday, May 24, at the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell.

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Daniele Palen, Director of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, at the podium welcomes all those in attedance.

The cemetery is located in the northeast quadrant of the Interstate 12/ Airport Road intersection west of Slidell.

Map showing location of Heroes Farewell Memorial

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The memorial honors all of our Fallen Heroes from Iraq and Afghanistan who have sacrificed so much for us in the Global War On Terror (GWOT).

Well over 100 people attended the memorial dedication, including many officials with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs and Louisiana National Guard.

The memorial was a project of the St. Tammany Veterans Foundation, Inc. (STVF). Lane Carson, President of the group, is shown at the podium.

Gold Star Parents Unveiling of the Monument

The Presentation of the National Guard Plaque

At left, Secretary of the Louisiana Dept. of Veterans Affairs
Charlton Meginley

A number of other dignitaries and speakers were recognized

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Little Miss Poppy
Madelyn and Cecilia Ogden
(Robert H. Burns American Legion Post 16 Jr. Auxiliary)

The Northshore Honor Guard and St. Tammany Veterans Honor Guard advanced the colors at the beginning of the program, and two members of the North Cross Methodist Church Choir sang the national anthem as well as "God Bless America."

Daniele Palen, Director of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, and Ted Krumm, the Cemetery Director of the Louisiana Dept. of Veterans Affairs, gave the welcome. Speakers included Matt Cole, Sharon and Danny McLeese, and Gina Guillory as well as other Gold Star/Blue Star Parents. Special guests included La. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Secretary Charlton Meginley and Col. Jesse Barth of the La. National Guard.

As the names of the Fallen Heroes were read off...

Dogtags of each individual service member was placed on the monument
to the accompaniment of "Amazing Grace" played on the bagpipes by Steve Brownlee

The Carillon Bell Tower in the background was donated by AMVETS

Parish President Mike Cooper took part in the placement of the dogtags

Pastor John Chetta of the North Cross Methodist Church

delivered the invocation and benediction

Commemorative bricks were sold to help fund the memorial project

A memorial brick for Military Working Dog Roxy

At the end "Taps" was played by Zane Gilbert

Afterwards, a reception was held at the Administration Building

Video of Memorial Dedication

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The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Slidell

The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs operates five veterans cemeteries located across the state, offering a variety of burial options for veterans, spouses and dependent children. Each location features spacious grounds, covered shelter for committal services, and are open Monday through Friday for interments with visitation open daily.

Front Entrance Gate

The Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery opened in June of 2014 and has quickly become the fastest growing state veteran cemetery in Louisiana. As initial burial sites are occupied, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Cemetery Administration provides grants to add additional burial space.

At the entrance stands the Carillon Bell Tower which was donated by AMVETS when the cemetery first opened. The bell tower is located in Memorial Circle where there is also a wall to honor the groups who donate their time and attention to the cemetery.